Efficacy of intra-articular injection of methylprednisolone in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee in southern district of India

Abstract

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a most common form of arthritis wherein chronic progressive degenerative changes occur in the articular cartilage of the joint which leads to restriction of joint function and poor life quality and it is globally prevalent causing pain and functional disability. Intra-articular corticosteroids are usually administered to candidates who do not show symptomatic relief to conservative line of management. Aims and Objectives: The objective of the study is to assess the efficacy of intra-articular injection of methylprednisolone acetate in patients with OA of the knee. Materials and Methods: Patients of all age and gender diagnosed with primary OA of knee with visual analog scale (VAS) pain score seven and more than seven with X-ray evidence of osteoarthropathy of knee with Kellgren Lawrence classification one-three, patients not satisfied with anti-inflammatory drugs and physiotherapy were included in the study. Study participants were asked for self-assessment of pain and mark on the VAS and interpretation of scoring was statistically analyzed. Results: Thirty study participants were enrolled for the study among them, the male and female were 56.67% and 43.33%, respectively. The mean age of the study participants was 59.2 ± 11.79 years. The mean VAS pain score before intra-articular methylprednisolone acetate was 9.37 ± 0.81 and there was gradual decrease in pain score after intra-articular injection over time in 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks. Conclusion: Intra-articular methylprednisolone acetate had revealed good efficacy in patients with OA knee with chronic pain without adverse effects.