Intra-articular Corticosteroid Injections Research Articles

Short-Term Outcomes of Intraarticular Corticosteroid Injection into the Lumbar Facet Joint According to the Findings of Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography Imaging.

Bone single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) preferentially localizes areas exhibiting greater bone remodeling and enhanced perfusion, which helps identify areas of pain and inflammation in the lumbar facet joints (LFJs). Herein, we investigated the treatment outcome of intraarticular (IA) corticosteroid injection in patients with LFJ-origin lower back pain (LBP) depending on the presence of increased LFJ uptake on bone SPECT. We retrospectively recruited 38 patients with LFJ-origin LBP. Of the 38 patients, 22 patients showed increased uptake on bone SPECT (SPECT+ group), and 16 patients did not show increased uptake on bone SPECT (SPECT- group). A numeric rating scale (NRS) was used to assess pain reduction 1 month after treatment with a corticosteroid injection. Treatment was considered successful when the posttreatment NRS score was ≥50% lower than the pretreatment NRS score. The NRS scores of the SPECT+ group at the 1-month follow-up were significantly lower than those of the SPECT- group. Additionally, the degree of change in the NRS scores was larger in the SPECT+ group than that in the SPECT- group. In addition, 18 of the 22 patients (81.8%) in the SPECT+ group underwent successful treatment. Eight of the 16 patients (50%) in the SPECT- group underwent successful treatment. The ratio of successful treatment was significantly higher in the SPECT+ group than in the SPECT- group. Bone SPECT could help predict the therapeutic outcome after IA LFJ corticosteroid injection and determine the treatment plan for patients with LFJ-origin LBP.

THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN CORTICOSTEROID DOSE AND PAIN REDUCTION FOLLOWING SACROILIAC JOINT INJECTIONS.

Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) mediated back pain has proven therapeutic benefit from fluoroscopically guided SIJ corticosteroid injections. We examined corticosteroid dose and pain relief following fluoroscopically guided SIJ injections to better understand their relationship. Retrospective observational cohort analysis of electronic health record data on 661 patients who received unilateral fluoroscopically guided SIJ intraarticular corticosteroid injection with 40 mg versus 80 mg of methylprednisolone from 2012 and 2019. Patients were injected by fellowship trained proceduralists after diagnosis by board certified physiatrists in an academic physiatry practice. Absolute change in pain scores (post-procedure and first follow up) was modeled using linear regression of methylprednisolone dosage (40 mg vs. 80 mg) controlling for age, sex, BMI, baseline pain scores, and follow-up time. Linear regression indicated that dosage of methylprednisolone, age and BMI were not statistically significantly associated with change in pain scores. Sex approached significance (p = 0.0501) indicating that females may have a lower degree of pain resolution than males. Practitioners should consider corticosteroid dose when performing these beneficial procedures. This could reduce cost and potential side effects associated with larger doses, while still providing therapeutic benefit. This pilot study can guide future research and dosing guidelines for fluoroscopic spine injections.

Triamcinolone acetonide has minimal effect on short- and long-term metabolic activities of cartilage.

Intra-articular corticosteroid injections, such as triamcinolone acetonide (TA), are commonly used by clinicians to manage joint synovial inflammation. However, due to conflicting evidence in literature, there is a fear among clinicians that the injections may be harmful to otherwise healthy cartilage in young patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of TA on young, healthy chondrocytes. Articular cartilage samples were harvested from bovine knee joints (1-2 months old). In both healthy and inflammatory (interleukin-1β) challenged cartilage, samples were treated with TA at doses ranging from 1 nM to 200 μM. Following a short- (2 days) or long-term (10-14 days) treatment, chondrocyte viability, proliferation, and extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis and degradation were evaluated with a click chemistry-based technique. Chondrocyte viability, proliferation, and anabolic activity were all minimally affected by short-term and long-term TA treatment. After both acute and sustained inflammatory challenges, TA reduced the catabolic activities in cartilage, reducing nascent glycosaminoglycan loss and maintaining cartilage mechanical properties. Overall, at physiologically relevant doses, TA had minimal negative impact on chondrocytes when maintained within their native ECM.Clinical significance: The findings provide new insight for current clinical practices concerning the use of TA in intra-articular injections, especially in young patients, and established a foundation for future investigations into the impact of corticosteroids on joint homeostasis.

Temporomandibular joint rehabilitative approaches for children and adolescents affected by juvenile idiopathic arthritis: A systematic review.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common rheumatic disease of childhood, and temporomandibular joints (TMJs) are involved in 39%-78% of patients. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the effectiveness of conservative approaches in improving TMJ arthritis in children and adolescents affected by JIA. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were systematically searched from the inception until February 25, 2024, to identify observational studies presenting participants with a diagnosis of JIA affecting the TMJ, rehabilitative approaches for TMJ arthritis as interventions, and clinical or radiological assessment of TMJ arthritis as outcome. Of 478 papers suitable for title/abstract screening, 13 studies were included. The studies evaluated the effectiveness of intra-articular (IA) corticosteroid (CS) injections, IA infliximab injections, arthrocentesis alone or in combination with IACS injections, occlusal splint, functional appliance, and physiotherapy. The effectiveness of IACS injections was shown in eight studies. IA infliximab injections did not appear to significantly improve TMJ arthritis. Results of this systematic review suggested that conservative treatments, especially IACS injections, might be effective in improving TMJ arthritis in patients affected by JIA. Further studies with a higher level of evidence and more representative samples should be conducted.

The efficacy and safety of intra-articular injection of corticosteroids in multimodal analgesic cocktails in total knee arthroplasty-a historically controlled study.

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a common and effective procedure. Optimizing pain control and reducing postoperative discomfort are essential for patient satisfaction. No studies have examined the safety and efficacy of intra-articular corticosteroid injections following TKA. This study aims to examine the safety and efficacy of corticosteroids in intra-articular multimodal analgesic injections. This was a historically controlled study conducted at a single academic institution. Before May 2019, patients received an intra-articular cocktail injection without corticosteroids during surgery, referred to as the non-corticosteroid (NC) group. After June 2019, intraoperatively, patients received an intra-articular cocktail injection containing corticosteroids, referred to as the corticosteroid (C) group. Finally, 738 patients were evaluated, 370 in the C cohort and 368 in the NC cohort. The mean follow-up duration was 30.4 months for the C group and 48.4 months for the NC group. The mean VAS scores at rest on postoperative day (POD) 1 (2.35) and POD3 (3.88) were significantly lower in the C group than those in the NC group, which were 2.86 (POD1) and 5.26 (POD3) (p < 0.05). Walking pain in the C group (4.42) was also significantly lower than that (5.96) in the NC group on POD3 (p < 0.05). Patients in the C group had a significantly higher mean range of motion (ROM) (92.55) on POD3 than that (86.38) in the NC group. The mean time to straight leg raise for group C (2.77) was significantly shorter than that (3.61) for the NC group (p < 0.05). The C group also had significantly fewer rescue morphine (1.9) and metoclopramide (0.21) uses per patient than the NC group, which were 3.1 and 0.24, respectively. No significant differences in fever or vomiting rates between groups were found. Patients in neither group developed periprosthetic joint infections or skin necrosis. One patient in the C group suffered from wound dehiscence, and the wound healed well after debridement. No patient died or had a re-operation in either group. This pilot trial found that intra-articular injection of multimodal analgesia (including corticosteroids) reduced initial postoperative pain, increased ROM in the early postoperative days (up to POD3), and did not increase wound complications or infection rates in approximately 30 months of follow-up.

Functional Outcomes of Fluoroscopy-Guided Intra-articular Steroids in Lumbar Facet Arthropathy: A Retrospective Comparative Study of Dexamethasone Versus Triamcinolone Acetonide.

Introduction Mechanical low back pain frequently originates from the lumbar facet joint (LFJ). Axial low back discomfort can result from osteoarthritis in the LFJ. Depending on the severity of LFJ degeneration, the effect of intra-articular (IA) LFJ corticosteroid injection may vary. For LFJ discomfort, IA block with steroids and local anaesthetics has also been utilised, with varying degrees of success. The main objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of IA steroid injections dexamethasone vs. triamcinolone acetonide for the treatment of LFJ syndrome and to compare functional outcome in terms of Visual Analog Scale(VAS) score, Modified Oswestry Disability Index(MODI) score, and short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire between the two groups. Methodology Dexamethasone 8 mg or triamcinolone acetonide 40 mg was given intra-articularly to27 patients comprising group A and 33 patients comprising group B, respectively (total 60 patients). Before intervention and at one, three, and six months, observation was conducted using the VAS score, short-form McGill pain questionnaire, and MODI score. Results There was a significant difference between both the groups after the procedure with pain alleviation and functional improvement, more in the group that received triamcinolone acetonide. A significant difference was observed in all three parameters that assessed pain with differences more pronounced at six months. Conclusion Pain reduction and clinical outcomes were better among the group that received triamcinolone acetonide. Injection of a steroid alone is associated with its own side effects. When a lumbar transforaminal epidural injection is used to treat radiculopathy in the lumbar area, particulate medication (triamcinolone) is more effective than non-particulate medication (dexamethasone) with no known drug-related complications.

Corticosteroid injections for the treatment of osteoarthritis present a wide spectrum of effects ranging from detrimental to disease-modifying: A systematic review of preclinical evidence by the ESSKA Orthobiologic Initiative.

Aim of this systematic review of preclinical evidence was to determine the effects of intra-articular corticosteroid (CS) injections in joints affected by osteoarthritis (OA). A systematic review was performed on animal studies evaluating intra-articular CS injections for OA joints. The search was performed on PubMed, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases. A synthesis of the results was performed investigating CS effects by evaluating studies comparing CS with control groups. Morphological, histological, immunohistochemistry evaluations, clinical outcomes, biomarkers and imaging results were evaluated. The risk of bias was assessed according to the Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation's tool. Thirty-two articles analysing CS effects in OA animal models were included (1079 joints), 18 studies on small and 14 on large animals. CS injections showed overall positive effects in at least one of the outcomes in 68% of the studies, while 16% reported a deleterious effect. CS improved cartilage and synovial outcomes in 68% and 60% of the studies, but detrimental effects were documented in 11% and 20% of the studies, respectively. Clinical parameters evaluated in terms of pain, lameness or joint swelling improved in 63% of the studies but deteriorated in 13%. Evidence is limited on imaging and biomarkers results, as well as on the best CS type, dose, formulation and injection protocol. The risk of bias assessment revealed a 28% low and an 18% high risk of bias. Intra-articular CS injections induced a wide range of results on OA joints in experimental animal models, from disease-modifying and positive effects on pain and joint function at short-term evaluation to the lack of benefit or even negative effects. This underlines the need to identify more specific indications and treatment modalities to avoid possible detrimental effects while maximising the anti-inflammatory properties and the benefits of intra-articular CS in OA joints. Level II.

A Comparative Study between the Effects of Intra-Articular Injections of Platelet Rich Plasma versus Corticosteroid with Local Anaesthetic in Refractory Cases of Temporo-Mandibular joint Disorder- A Comparative Study

A Comparative Study between the Effects of Intra-Articular Injections of Platelet Rich Plasma versus Corticosteroid with Local Anaesthetic in Refractory Cases of Temporo-Mandibular joint Disorder- A Comparative Study

Synovial fluid monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio in knee osteoarthritis patients predicts patient response to conservative treatment: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundBiomarkers that predict the treatment response in patients with knee osteoarthritis are scarce. This study aimed to investigate the potential role of synovial fluid cell counts and their ratios as biomarkers of primary knee osteoarthritis.MethodsThis retrospective study investigated 96 consecutive knee osteoarthritis patients with knee effusion who underwent joint fluid aspiration analysis and received concomitant intra-articular corticosteroid injections and blood tests. The monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were calculated. After 6 months of treatment, patients were divided into two groups: the responder group showing symptom resolution, defined by a visual analog scale (VAS) score of ≤ 3, without additional treatment, and the non-responder group showing residual symptoms, defined by a VAS score of > 3 and requiring further intervention, such as additional medication, repeated injections, or surgical treatment. Unpaired t-tests and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted between the two groups to predict treatment response after conservative treatment. The predictive value was calculated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, and the optimal cutoff value was determined.ResultsSynovial fluid MLR was significantly higher in the non-responder group compared to the responder group (1.86 ± 1.64 vs. 1.11 ± 1.37, respectively; p = 0.02). After accounting for confounding variables, odds ratio of non-responder due to increased MLR were 1.63 (95% confidence interval: 1.11–2.39). The optimal MLR cutoff value for predicting patient response to conservative treatment was 0.941.ConclusionsMLR may be a potential biomarker for predicting the response to conservative treatment in patients with primary knee osteoarthritis.

The most effective corticosteroid dose in the treatment of glenohumeral osteoarthritis: Feasibility pilot and protocol for double blinded randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveOsteoarthritis affects over 5.4 million people in the United States. A common treatment is to perform intra-articular corticosteroid injections. However, the ideal steroid dose is unknown. This study aimed to pilot a corticosteroid injection protocol for primary glenohumeral OA. MethodsWe conducted a double blinded randomized feasibility pilot study. Patients with primary osteoarthritis of the glenohumeral joint were recruited and randomized to receive 20 ​mg, 40 ​mg, or 80 ​mg of triamcinolone. The primary outcome was the feasibility of the protocol and change in the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) 6 months following injection. Results300 patients were screened for participation with 78 meeting inclusion criteria. 19 subjects completed the study. The most common reason for not participating was concern they would receive a smaller dose than previous injections. There was a 26% dropout rate, with 2 patients undergoing a total shoulder arthroplasty. There was no clinically significant difference (p ​= ​0.090) between the groups at 6-months for the SPADI although all treatment groups showed a reduction of SPADI from baseline at 6 months. There was one adverse event in the 20 ​mg group, with a patient experiencing facial flushing after the injection. ConclusionWe were successful in developing a feasible protocol. In the future excluding those who have received previous injections would be helpful for a higher enrollment rate. This patient concern highlights the need to complete clinical trials to guide medical decisions surrounding corticosteroid administration. NCT03586687.

38-year-old woman with septic arthritis and retroperitoneal abscess after intraarticular corticosteroid injection: A case report

Rationale: Septic arthritis (SA) is an uncommon condition in which a pathogen invades a joint. SA presents clinically with monoarticular joint pain, swelling, and fever. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are common diagnostic modalities for SA in conjunction with lab work such as white blood cell count. SA is typically treated by joint drainage and antibiotics and is associated with poor outcomes. Patient concerns: A 38-year-old woman with 3 prior arthroscopies over a seven-year period presented with an unresolved eight-year history of sharp intermittent pain in the groin and lateral hip. She was referred for nonsurgical treatment of her pain and received 2 corticosteroid hip injections. Subsequently following the injection, the patient developed fever, chills, and a mottled rash over her hip. Diagnoses: Magnetic resonance imaging and inflammatory markers were obtained. Osteomyelitis with septic arthritis of the right hip with extension into the retroperitoneum was confirmed. Interventions: The patient underwent resection arthroplasty with open retroperitoneal decompression of the iliopsoas abscess. Cultures isolated Staphylococcus aureus. Subsequent staged articulating hip spacer followed by reimplantation with total hip arthroplasty were performed. Outcomes: The patient had significant improvement as measured by patient reported outcomes scores. Lessons: This case report describes a unique case of hip septic arthritis, with retroperitoneal abscess post-intra articular injection, that resulted in subsequent open retroperitoneal incision and debridement followed by two-stage resection arthroplasty with articulating spacer and total hip arthroplasty.

A Comparative Study of the Efficacy of Ultrasound Therapy against Intra-articular Corticosteroid Injection in Adhesive Capsulitis: A Randomised Open-label Study

Abstract Introduction: Adhesive capsulitis is idiopathic, progressive, painful, and restricted active and passive shoulder range of motion in patients with normal radiographs. Adhesive capsulitis can be effectively treated by ultrasound therapy, exercise, and intra-articular steroids. Objective: To see the efficacy of ultrasound therapy and intraarticular corticosteroid injection in adhesive capsulitis. And compare the efficacy of ultrasound therapy and intra-articular corticosteroid injection. Materials and Methods: Study Design: A comparative study. Setting: Tertiary care center. Time period:from October 2019 to September 2020. Participants: 80 patients who attended the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation department during the study period, met the inclusion criteria. Intervention: Patients were randomly assigned to the intra-articular corticosteroid injection (Group A) and ultrasound therapy treatment (Group B). Main Outcome Measures: Parameters such as the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) and range of motion with goniometry. The examination was performed at the 1st visit (0 week) and then 4th, 8th and 12th weeks. Results: At the end of the study, a statistically significant improvement was obtained in all clinical parameters: VAS (P &lt; 0.001), SPADI (P &lt; 0.001) and goniometry (P &lt; 0.001) in both Group A (the intra-articular corticosteroid injection) and Group B (ultrasound therapy treatment). While in combination with therapeutic exercises, the greatest pain improvement was seen in the local corticosteroid injection group, the ultrasound therapy group also showed significant and comparable improvement. Conclusions: Both intra-articular corticosteroid injection and ultrasound therapy were effective in adhesive capsulitis treatment. Thus, ultrasound therapy can be an alternative treatment for adhesive capsulitis, particularly in patients who do not accept injections.

Do intra-articular corticosteroid injections help delay knee replacement surgery in patients with knee osteoarthritis?

Do intra-articular corticosteroid injections help delay knee replacement surgery in patients with knee osteoarthritis?

PATIENTS WITH FEMOROACETABULAR IMPINGEMENT SYNDROME OBTAIN SIGNIFICANT AND SUSTAINED IMPROVEMENT FOLLOWING A COMBINED HIP INJECTION AND REHABILITATION PROGRAM

INTRODUCTION Initial treatment recommendations for symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement syndrome include non-surgical therapies such as injections and rehabilitation. However, many patients undergo isolated injections or a rudimentary exercise regime. This study investigated the benefit of a combined intra-articular hip injection and structured exercise rehabilitation program in patients with FAIS. METHODS Participants were recruited and underwent a guided intra-articular injection of corticosteroid and local anaesthetic, followed by a 12-week rehabilitation program. Patients were assessed pre-and post-injection(8 weeks, 4, 6, 12 and 24 months) via patient-reported outcome measures including the 33-item International Hip Outcome Tool and Hip Outcome score. Hip ROM and peak isometric hip strength in all planes were assessed, along with single-limb hop capacity. Limb Symmetry Indices were calculated. The percentage of patients transitioning toward surgery over the period was evaluated. RESULTS A total of 44 patients underwent the injection and completed the initial 8-week rehabilitation component. A significant improvement (p&amp;lt;0.05) in all PROMs was observed, with 93% of patients satisfied. A significant increase (p&amp;lt;0.05) in all active hip ROM and isometric strength measures was observed, sustained over the 24-month period. Bilateral improvements in hop capacity were observed, with all hop test LSIs significantly improving (p&amp;lt;0.05). Overall, 14 patients (32%) progressed toward surgical intervention over the 24-month post-injection period. These patients reported significantly worse (p&amp;lt;0.05) PROMs pre-surgery and more pain within the first 4 weeks post-injection. CONCLUSION This is the first study seeking to implement and comprehensively assess a best-practice, multimodal non-operative program consisting of an intra-articular injection and a structured exercise program. Most patients with symptomatic FAIS demonstrated significant improvement in symptoms.

P072 The management of hand osteoarthritis in the NHS: a national UK clinician-based study

Abstract Background/Aims Hand Osteoarthritis (HOA) is a condition causing significant pain and disability in those affected. Treatments include pharmacological/non-pharmacological approaches, including splinting, pain management with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), intra-articular corticosteroid (ICS) injections and surgery. There may be variability in ICS use, since few trials have compared efficacy of ICS over placebo. We conducted a UK-wide study of practising clinicians regarding their management of HOA. Methods An online survey was conducted from September 2022 - May 2023. Practising clinicians who are members of their respective societies were contacted by email. Participants provided information about their job role, region of work, nature of their clinical practice, subtypes of HOA managed and preferred management options. Results A total of 132 complete responses were obtained from the survey. Responding clinicians included Consultant Rheumatologists (43.2%), Consultant Hand Surgeons (34.8%), Rheumatology Specialist Nurses (6.1%), Rheumatology trainees (7.4%), Occupational Therapists (4.6%), Consultant Radiologists (1.5%), Physiotherapists (0.8%), General Practitioners (0.8%) and Physician Associates (0.8%). Responses were obtained from London (25%), South East (12.9%), South West (4.5%), East of England (6.8%), Midlands (12.1%), North West (3.8%), North East (3.8%), Yorkshire and the Humber (28%), Scotland (0.8%) and Wales (2.3%). There were 48.5% of respondents working in tertiary care services, 37.1% in district general hospitals, 13.6% across multiple sites in secondary care and 0.8% in primary care. Ninety-eight per cent of responders were seeing patients with HOA and the most common number of patients seen with HOA was 1-10 per month, reported by 40.3% of respondents. The most common type of HOA observed was first CMC joint or DIP/PIP joint involvement (more than 50%), with a lower proportion for erosive HOA (up to 10%). More than 90% of respondents reported that NSAIDs/hand therapy/intra-articular steroid injections/surgery were the treatments most likely to be offered. Eighty per cent of respondents reported an awareness of splinting, 31% were aware of taping. Regarding ICS, 62.9% performed ICS injections and 37.1% preferred injections under ultrasound (US) guidance. Reasons for preferring injections in clinic included time taken for US guided injections due to pressure on radiology services. Some clinicians preferred US guided confirmation of inflammation before proceeding to injection. Conclusion We obtained a high response rate from clinicians managing HOA. The most common HOA subtype observed was the first CMC, PIP/DIP joints. Recent EULAR (European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology) recommendations state that ‘intra-articular injections of glucocorticoids should not generally be used in hand OA’, but can be considered in patients with painful PIP/DIP joints. We found high use of ICS injections as an adjunct to other therapies. Injection in clinic was preferred due to pressures on Radiology services. Our data suggest a higher use of ICS in clinical practice in comparison with published guideline recommendations. Disclosure N. Sofat: None. L. Ahmed: None. A. Radulovic: None. S. Cerovac: None. S. Umarji: None.

OA42 Effect of intra-articular corticosteroid injections for osteoarthritis on subsequent use of pain medications: an instrumental variable and propensity score analysis

Abstract Background/Aims Intra-articular corticosteroid injections (IACI) are recommended in the UK by NICE as an adjunctive treatment for uncontrolled pain from osteoarthritis (OA). NICE guidance states there is no evidence for therapeutic benefit lasting beyond three months, and that more evidence is needed on effectiveness at non-knee joints. We therefore aimed to assess the longer-term effect of IACI use on pain medication prescriptions among people with hand, hip, knee or shoulder OA. Methods We conducted a cohort study using UK primary care (CPRD GOLD) data for patients aged ≥20 years with a first diagnosis of OA during 2005-2019, excluding those with prior orthopaedic surgery referral or OA diagnosed at multiple joints. Exposure to IACI was defined using Read codes. The primary outcome was incident prescribing of pain medication: oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioids, oral corticosteroids, paracetamol, partial opioids, and topical NSAIDs. In main analyses, an instrumental variable (IV) approach was used. Index date was six months after OA diagnosis date and IV was defined as practice preference for IACI use in the year prior to index date (single and recurrent use considered separately). Outcomes were measured over five years from index date. Covariate balance was assessed, and two-step Poisson regression used where assumptions met. In secondary analyses, propensity score (PS) matching was carried out and time-varying exposure Cox models used to estimate treatment effect. Results Of 181,818 eligible patients, 92,157 (50.7%) were retained in IV analyses of single IACI and 89,103 (49.0%) of repeat IACI. Covariates were well balanced (SMD ≤0.1) across IV groups for hand (single IACI only) and knee OA, but not hip or shoulder OA. In IV analyses of hand OA, single IACI was associated with lower 5-year cumulative incidence of several pain medications including oral corticosteroids (relative risk [RR] 0.27 [95% CI 0.10, 0.76], paracetamol (RR 0.27 [0.09, 0.78] and partial opioids (RR 0.24 [0.10, 0.60]). IACI for knee OA was associated with lower 5-year cumulative incidence of most pain medications, e.g., for partial opioids a RR 0.46 [95% CI 0.34, 0.61] and RR 0.33 [0.21, 0.51] for single and recurrent IACI, respectively. Most PS matched analyses had &amp;gt;20,000 included patients (all joints combined), with covariates well balanced across IACI exposure status. PS matching confirmed a reduction in incidence of several pain medications associated with single IACI, e.g., lower incidence of partial opioids following IACI for any of hand, hip, knee or shoulder OA. Conclusion Our main findings suggest IACI use for hand or knee OA may reduce subsequent need for analgesics. Among knee OA patients, generally larger reductions were observed following recurrent than single IACI. In secondary analyses, single IACI for hand, hip, knee or shoulder OA was associated with lower subsequent use of partial opioids. Disclosure S. Hawley: None. A. Prats-Uribe: Grants/research support; European Medicines Agency. G. Matharu: Grants/research support; National Institute of Health and Care Research, Academy of Medical Sciences. A. Delmestri: None. D. Prieto-Alhambra: Consultancies; AstraZeneca, UCB Biopharma. Grants/research support; European Medicines Agency, Innovative Medicines Initiative, Amgen, Chiesi-Taylor, Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, UCB Biopharma. Other; Amgen, Astrellas, Janssen, Synapse Management Partners, UCB Biopharma. A. Judge: Grants/research support; National Institute of Health and Care Research, Health Data Research UK, Versus Arthritis, Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership (HQIP), Royal College of Physicians (RCP), Tommy's, The Health Foundation. M. Whitehouse: Royalties; Taylor Francis. Member of speakers’ bureau; Heraeus. Grants/research support; National Institute of Health and Care Research, Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership (HQIP), Ceramtec.

Sciatica after intra articular corticosteroids injection

Background. The intra-articular cortico-steroid (IA-CS) injections treatment are still debatable despite its effectiveness. The failure can cause sciatica which IA-CS injected at the sacroiliac joint (SIJ). The study was done to determine non-technical factors that cause recurrent LBP after optimal SIJ IA-CS injections. Methods. A prospective-clinical study was done that looked at recurring sciatica variables in the cases that received intra-articular injection of CS. Cases were diagnosed with sciatica according to the IASP criteria. All patients had intra-articular CS injections. The numerical rating scale (NRS) was used for rating the pain in the SIJ on a range of (0-10). The scale was reviewed 3, 6, and 9 months post treatment. Age, gender, BMI, trauma history, long-term standing, NSAID used and knee pain were all documented as intra-articular injection treatment possible failure factors. Results. In total, 50 subjects were enrolled, with more females (60%) than males (40%). The mean of age was 55.8±7.4 years. History of trauma was reported in 60%. Long sitting and standing history presented in 70% and 20%, respectively. The recurrence of sciatica affected 30(60%) patients. The right sciatica was affecting more than half of the cases (60%). The vast majority of cases (80%) used NSAID. The pain began within the last three months in 80% of the patients. History of CS injection was recorded in 38% of the cases. Lower limb pain was reported in 80% of the cases. Cases with and without recurrence had the mean age of 55.9 ± 9.5 years and 50.6 ± 14.9 years, respectively. The SIJ pain recurrence is strongly connected with elderly and long sitting in logistic regression analysis. Conclusions. Elderly, NSAID utilize, and uni-lateral sciatica involvement are protective factors against SIJ discomfort recurrence.

When should the use of biological agents be considered in persistent oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients?

JADAS10 indicating ongoing severe disease activity at 3rd and 6th months rather than baseline JADAS10 is associated with the addition of bDMARDs. • Oligoarticular JIA patients have the best outcomes among JIA categories and respond favorably to first-line therapies such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and intraarticular corticosteroid injections. • Clinically inactive disease rates have increased with the widespread use of biological agents in oligoarticular JIA patients who have not responded to initial therapies. • Approximately one-fifth of patients with persistent oligoarticular JIA on methotrexate may require the addition of a biological disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug during follow-up. • The JADAS10 calculated at 3 and 6months is a valuable tool to identify patients who should be added biological disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs in persistent oligoarticular JIA.

Pharmacological interventions for early-stage frozen shoulder: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

To evaluate the efficacy of pharmacological interventions for treating early-stage, pain predominant, adhesive capsulitis, also known as frozen shoulder. We performed a systematic review in accordance with PRSIMA guidelines. Searches were conducted on PUBMED, EMBASE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials on the 24th of February 2022. Outcomes were shoulder pain, shoulder function and range of movement. Synthesis involved both qualitative analysis for all studies and pairwise meta-analyses followed by a network meta-analysis for randomised controlled trials (RCTs). A total of 3,252 articles were found, of which 31 met inclusion criteria, and 22 of these were RCTs. Intraarticular (IA) injection of corticosteroids (8 RCTS, 340 participants) and IA injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) (3 RCTs, 177 participants) showed benefit at 12 weeks compared with physical therapy in terms of shoulder pain and function, while oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) (2 RCTs, 44 participants) and IA injection of hyaluronate (2 RCTs, 42 participants) did not show a benefit. Only IA PRP showed benefit over physical therapy for shoulder range of movement. These results shows that IA corticosteroids IA PRP injections are beneficial for early-stage frozen shoulder. These findings should be appraised with care considering the risk of bias, heterogeneity, and inconsistency of the included studies. We believe that research focused on early interventions for frozen shoulder could improve patient outcomes and lead to cost-savings derived from avoiding long-term disability. Further well-designed studies comparing with standardised physical therapy or placebo are required to improve evidence to guide management.

A Cross-Sectional Study of Factors Predicting the Duration of the Efficacy of Viscosupplementation in Knee Osteoarthritis.

Background: An advanced radiological stage and obesity are predictive of poorer and shorter responses to viscosupplementation in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Very little is known regarding the impact of other factors such as sport practice, comorbidities, or anatomical features of OA. Methods: This study aimed to investigate patients' and OA characteristics associated with the duration of the effectiveness (DE) of viscosupplementation in patients with knee OA. It was a cross-sectional, single-centre clinical trial in patients with knee OA treated with intra-articular (IA) hyaluronic acid (HA) injection(s) within the previous 3 years. The investigators collected data regarding demographic and radiographic features (Kellgren-Lawrence grade and involved knee compartments), dosing regimen (single or repeat injections), the presence and volume of joint effusion, previous or concomitant IA corticosteroid injection, the number of previous viscosupplementations, and comorbidities. Patients completed a questionnaire including the self-assessment of DE (the number of weeks during which viscosupplementation was effective on symptoms), the activity level (sedentary, active, or athletic), and the level of sport activity (light, moderate, or intensive). Predictors of the DE were studied in bivariate and multivariate analyses. Results: In total, 105 patients (149 knees) were analysed (62% women, mean age 66.1 ± 13.2 years, mean BMI 27.5 ± 7.5 kg/m2). The mean DE was 48.2 ± 24.8 weeks. In bivariate analysis, the predictors of a shorter DE were BMI > 27.5 kg/m2, more than three previous viscosupplementations, Kellgren-Lawrence grade 4, sedentary patients, and multicompartmental involvement. In the multivariate analysis, four independent factors remained associated with a shorter DE: BMI > 27.5 kg/m2, multicompartmental knee involvement, number of viscosupplementations >3, and sedentary lifestyle. A statistically significant association between a longer DE and arterial hypertension was found, suggesting a beneficial effect of certain antihypertensive medications. Conclusions: This study confirms that being overweight significantly reduces the duration of the effectiveness of viscosupplementation. It also shows that viscosupplementation is more lastingly effective in unicompartmental OA and among active or athletic patients. The duration of effectiveness decreases when the treatment is repeated more than three times.