Intra-articular Steroid Research Articles

Platelet-rich plasma injections for hip osteoarthritis : a systematic review

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent type of joint disorder. Symptomatic hip OA was observed in 9.2% of adults aged 45 and above, with 27% displaying radiographic evidence of the condition. While there is no definitive cure for OA, numerous research studies have explored the application of PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) for addressing knee OA, there is a relatively limited number of investigations dedicated to hip OA. It is important to note that the hip joint possesses distinct characteristics compared to the other three joints. Therefore, in this systematic review, we wanted to focus on hip osteoarthritis and gave a brief update from the previous studies. This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) guidelines. All randomized control trials that compared injection of Platelet-Rich Plasma and Hyaluronic Acid in hip osteoarthritis patients using English language from 2018 until 2023 will be included. Six studies involved in this study with total samples of 237 in PRP group and 220 in HA group. The injection site, injection volume, number of injections, interval, and follow up were varied between these studies. All of the patients are undergoing treatment with ultrasound-guided intraarticular injections of PRP. The outcomes tabulated were Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Harris Hip Score (HHS), and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score which showed improvements from the baseline. All of the studies showed improvement of the score from the baseline. Although, there were improvements, it can be concluded that there was not enough evidence to promote the utilization of intra-articular PRP injections as a treatment for hip osteoarthritis. Since international guidelines only recommend intra-articular steroid injections for managing hip OA, it would be advantageous to conduct additional studies comparing PRP to steroids to assess the effectiveness of PRP injections in treating hip OA.

A multi-center, single-blinded, randomized, parallel-group, superiority study to compare the efficacy of manipulation under anesthesia versus intra-articular steroid injection in the treatment of patients with frozen shoulder and a diagnosis of rotator cuff injury or tear by MRI: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundFrozen shoulder (FS) is a common condition that can cause severe pain and limited range of motion in the shoulder joint. While intra-articular steroid injection has been shown to be an effective treatment for FS, manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) is an alternative treatment that has gained popularity in recent years. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding the effectiveness of MUA on FS patients with concomitant rotator cuff injury or tear. Though a few studies have shown that MUA is not associated with rotator cuff tears, and will not exacerbate the injury, more high-quality studies with bigger sample sizes are needed. Therefore, the aim of this multi-center, single-blinded, randomized, parallel-group, superiority study is to compare the efficacy of MUA versus intra-articular steroid injection in the treatment of FS patients with a diagnosis of rotator cuff injury or tear by MRI.MethodsA parallel, single-blinded, multi-center randomized controlled trial of 320 patients will be conducted at three hospitals of China. Eligible patients with frozen shoulder and rotator cuff injury or tear diagnosed by MRI will be randomly assigned to, in equal proportions, the manipulation under anesthesia group and the intra-articular steroid injection group via a central randomization system, undergoing a corresponding operation on day one and a sequent physical exercise for 14 days. The primary outcome is the comprehensive efficacy evaluation (total effective rate) and the change of Constant-Murley Score. Outcome assessors and data analysts will be blinded, and participants will be asked not to reveal their allocation to assessors.DiscussionThis study aims to explore the superiority of manipulation under anesthesia in reducing pain and improving shoulder function in frozen shoulder patients accompanied with rotator cuff injury. To provide a scientific basis for the dissemination and application of manipulation under anesthesia, and a better knowledge for the role of MUA in the treatment of frozen shoulder accompanied with rotator cuff injury.Trial registrationChictr.org.cn ChiCTR2200067122. Registered on 27 December 2022. ChiCTR is a primary registry of the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (WHO ICTRP) network and includes all items from the WHO Trial Registration data set in Trial registration.

Monogenic variants in Laccase domain-containing1 (LACC1) as the cause of juvenile arthritis

Monogenic mutations in laccase domain-containing 1 (LACC1) are associated with clinical pictures that mimic severe courses of polyarticular or systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The diseases are characterized by an early onset during the first year of life, afamilial clustering and ahigh inflammatory activity. The courses are mostly difficult to influence and often lead to sequelae. In this article four cases from two families are presented in which the homozygous mutation p.T276fs* in LACC1 was detected. The children initially suffered from polyarticular or systemic forms of juvenile arthritis. Of the patients two are currently being treated with tocilizumab and methotrexate and one female patient without a basis treatment is currently only receiving local repeated intra-articular steroids. A fourth female patient underwent an allogeneic bone marrow transplantation due to arelapse of an acute lymphatic leukemia. Since then, no further inflammatory symptoms have occurred. The cases presented are compared with the other 50courses published to date. In addition, recent studies investigating the influence of LACC1 mutations, particularly on macrophage function, are summarized.

Efficacy of cryoneurolysis versus intra-articular steroid in sacroiliac joint pain: A retrospective, case-control study.

Intra-articular steroids provide significant pain relief in sacroiliac joint pain (SIJP), but their action is short-lived. Cryoneurolysis is reported to produce prolonged pain relief in various pain conditions. However, its efficacy has not been evaluated in patients with SIJP. Thus, we compared the efficacy of cryoneurolysis with steroid injections in adult patients with SIJP. This retrospective healthcare records review-based study involved 83 patients with SIJP. Patients were divided into two groups: cases (sacroiliac joint [SIJ] cryoneurolysis, n = 39) and controls (SIJ steroid injection, n = 44). An 11-point numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) was used to assess the pain severity at baseline and immediately, 1, 3 and 6 months post-intervention. A reduction of ≥50% in NPRS score immediately following SIJ cryoneurolysis and steroid injection was considered a successful outcome. The difference between the treatment groups was assessed with a Chi-square test, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Both cases and controls showed significantly decreased NPRS scores from baseline to immediately, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months postintervention (P < 0.001). However, compared to controls, cases had significantly lower NPRS scores at all time points (all P < 0.001). Moreover, a significantly greater proportion of cases had ≥50% decrease in NPRS score from baseline, that is, 1 month (97.44% vs. 75%, P = 0.004), 3 months (100% vs. 47.73%, P < 0.001) and 6 months (69.23% vs. 27.27%, P < 0.001). Although both cryoneurolysis and intra-articular steroid injections provide significant pain relief immediately, 1, 3 and 6 months postintervention, cryoneurolysis resulted in significantly greater pain relief.

Under what conditions is the intra-articular steroid injection superior to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for treating sacroiliac joint pain?

The purpose of this prospective study was to determine the conditions under which intra-articular injection therapy may be superior to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in patients with sacroiliac joint pain in the outpatient setting at our hospital. Patients with sacroiliac pain were divided into two groups: NSAID and the sacroiliac injection group. The NSAID group received 25 mg of indometacin orally once a day and 750 mg of naproxen orally once a day. In the sacroiliac injection group, 5 mg of betamethasone were injected into the sacroiliac joint. The patients' history of lumbar surgery, whether they had sacroiliitis, and the duration of pain were recorded. The patients' VAS (Visual analogue scale) scores at week 1 and month 1 were evaluated. VAS scores were decreased after the first week and first month in the sacroiliac injection group compared to the NSAID group (p<0.001). Sacroiliac steroid injection was found to be superior to NSAIDs in reducing VAS scores in patients with sacroiliitis, a history of lumbar surgery, and pain lasting more than 30 days (p<0.001). In patients without sacroiliitis, without a history of lumbar surgery, and with less than 30 days of pain, no difference was observed between the groups in reducing VAS scores at the end of the first month. In patients with sacroiliac joint pain, sacroiliac joint injection is superior to NSAIDs in pain relief in patients with pain for more than 30 days, those with MRI-diagnosed sacroiliitis, and those who have undergone lumbar surgery.

Developing flare-responsive intra-articular steroid injections

Developing flare-responsive intra-articular steroid injections

Superficial Vein Thrombosis After Intra-articular Particulate Steroid Injection for Knee Osteoarthritis.

Intra-articular steroid injections for knee osteoarthritis are a routine procedure in musculoskeletal clinics. While their role in osteoarthritis care is debatable, they serve as an important therapeutic option to relieve osteoarthritis-associated pain. Potential risks are self-limited (increased pain flare, local skin irritation, flushing, insomnia) or severe (septic arthritis, intravascular medication placement, and the deleterious effect on cartilage and bone). In our experience, more serious adverse events are rare. In this case, we present a complication secondary to intra-articular steroid administration that has not previously been reported in the literature: superficial vein thrombosis. This will raise awareness among clinicians, improve the informed consent process, and provide an approach for the management of subsequent injections.

Chronic shoulder injury related to vaccine administration following coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination: a case report

BackgroundShoulder injury related to vaccine administration, defined as shoulder pain and limited range of motion occurring after administration in the upper arm, has been previously reported. The symptom resolved completely after treatment with oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or an intraarticular steroid injection, however there have been few reports of long-term symptoms following coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination. This case report describes a healthy, middle-aged, healthcare worker who developed post-vaccination subacromial–subdeltoid bursitis that lasted for more than 6 months after Pfizer–BioNTech coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination.Case presentationA 55-year-old Japanese woman with no significant medical history was vaccinated in the standard site, with the needle direction perpendicular to the skin. Within a few hours after the second vaccination, severe shoulder pain and limited range of motion appeared. Although shoulder range of motion improved, her shoulder pain did not improved for several months, and she consulted an orthopedic doctor 5 months later. Radiographs of her left shoulder did not provide helpful diagnostic information. High intensity in the subacromial–subdeltoid space was seen on short TI inversion recovery of magnetic resonance imaging, showing subacromial–subdeltoid bursitis. She was diagnosed with a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration. The patient was started on an oral anti-inflammatory drug, and the left subacromial space was injected with 2.5 mg of betamethasone with 3 ml of 1% lidocaine without epinephrine every 2 weeks. One month after starting this treatment, since her shoulder pain had not improved, the oral anti-inflammatory drug was switched to tramadol hydrochloride acetaminophen. However, 3 months after switching medication, the shoulder pain continued, and she worked so as to have minimal impact on her shoulder.ConclusionA case of subacromial–subdeltoid bursitis following a second dose of the Pfizer–BioNTech coronavirus disease 2019 vaccine that lasted many months is reported. Injection technique is a modifiable risk factor, the adverse effects of which could potentially be mitigated with appropriate and relevant training of healthcare providers. To prevent this type of case, the appropriate landmark, needle length, and direction should be confirmed.

Analyzing Public Interest in Osteoarthritis and Its Minimally Invasive Treatments: A Google Trends Analysis.

Introduction In recent years, online search engines have become a source of information about medical issues. We aimed to evaluate the public's interest in osteoarthritis and minimally invasive treatments of osteoarthritis in the last 10 years using Google Trends (GT). Methods Interventional physiatrist analyzed 14 selected terms (joint pain, joint pain treatment, joint cartilage damage, narrowing of the joint, osteoarthrosis, osteoarthritis, intra-articular injection, intra-articular steroid, intra-articular hyaluronic acid, intra-articular plasma rich platelet (PRP), essential oil for joint pain, joint pain supplements, home remedies for joint pain, and stem cell for joint) related with osteoarthritis and minimally invasive treatments of osteoarthritis in physical medicine and rehabilitation discipline. All keywords were searched in the GT application using the 'all categories,' 'web search,' and 'worldwide' filters. The last 10 years have been divided into two equal parts, each spanning five years (from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2017, and January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2022). Public interest in the 14 keywords mentioned above was recorded for these two periods, and the GT for all 14 keywords were compared across the two five-year periods. Results Searching rates for the terms 'joint pain,' 'joint pain treatment,' 'joint cartilage damage,' 'narrowing of the joint,' 'osteoarthritis,' 'intra-articular injection,' 'intra-articular PRP,' and 'joint pain supplements' have increased significantly in the last five years (p= 0.001, p= 0.001, p= 0.005, p= 0.001, p= 0.001, p= 0.004, p= 0.001, and p= 0.001, respectively). The average Google Trends (GT) score for all terms was 40 between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2017, and the average GT score for all terms was 48 between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2022 (p= 0.001). Conclusion The present study stated that public interest in osteoarthritis and minimally invasive treatments for osteoarthritis has increased significantly in the last five years. Study outcomes demonstrated that public attention to 'joint pain,' 'joint treatment,' 'joint cartilage damage,' 'narrowing of the joint,' 'osteoarthritis,' 'intra-articular injection,' 'intra-articular PRP,' and 'joint pain supplements' has also significantly increased in the last five years.

Efficacy of three different techniques in the fluoroscopy-guided intra-articular steroid injection of the hip: a randomized controlled trial

Fluoroscopy-guided injection via the anterior (A), anterolateral (AL), or proximal anterolateral (PAL) approaches are the common hip injection techniques without comparing the efficacy of the three techniques. The prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted from August 2020 to March 2022. Included patients with intra-articular hip disorders indicated an intra-articular steroid injection. Excluded significant spine pathology with radiculopathy or significant neurological deficits, previous hip surgery of the injection side, suspected tumor or infection origins, steroid or contrast media allergy, and body mass index > 35 kg/m2. The primary outcome was the injection attempt defining one attempt and multiple attempts. 90 patients were recruited and allocated to 30 per group. There were no differences between A, AL, and PAL respectively regarding the success in one attempt rate (80%, 80%, 90%; p = 0.533), VAS during local anesthetic injection (4.33 ± 1.99, 3.70 ± 2.34, 4.27 ± 2.49; p = 0.500), VAS during intra-articular injection (4.27 ± 1.87, 4.70 ± 2.37, 4.13 ± 2.37; p = 0.587), radiation doses (0.558 ± 0.313, 0.526 ± 0.485, 0.492 ± 0.275 mGy; p = 0.788), radiation time (0.043 ± 0.017, 0.039 ± 0.021, 0.041 ± 0.015 seconds; p = 0.723), and complications. The post-injection mHHS was improved in all three approaches without significant differences.

S1933 Intra-Articular Steroid Injection as the Etiology of Acute Pancreatitis

S1933 Intra-Articular Steroid Injection as the Etiology of Acute Pancreatitis

Analysis of patients with adhesive capsulitis after COVID-19 vaccination: An observational study.

This study aimed to increase the awareness of clinicians about shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) by analyzing 21 patients with adhesive capsulitis that developed after COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) vaccination. In this observational study, 21 patients (11 males, 10 females; mean age: 60.7±7.3 years; range, 45 to 70 years) with incipient shoulder pain and limitation diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis due to SIRVA were evaluated between June 2021 and December 2022. Demographic and clinical data of the patients were recorded. Pain was evaluated with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The passive range of motion (ROM) of the affected shoulder was measured by a goniometer. The applied treatment methods (medical treatment, physical therapy, intraarticular steroid injection, hydrodilatation, and suprascapular nerve block) were recorded. The patients were called in for control two months later. Visual Analog Scale scores and passive shoulder ROMs were reevaluated. Symptoms started after the second dose in nine (42.9%) patients. The mean time between vaccination and onset of complaints was 8.0±6.4 days. Sinovac vaccine was administered to eight patients, BioNTech vaccine was administered to five patients, and Sinovac+BioNTech vaccine was administered to eight patients. Baseline to control ROM angle changes were 128.8±30.4º to 155.0±20.6° for flexion, 117.1±37.8° to 147.1±26.4° for abduction, 45.9±17.8° to 61.9±12.6° for internal rotation, and 43.4±21.9° to 56.3±18.3° for external rotation, respectively. The mean VAS scores were 7.0±1.2 (5-9) at baseline and 2.7±1.0 (1-5) at the control. There was a statistically significant difference between the baseline and control (two months after treatment) in terms of VAS scores and ROM angles (p<0.001). Clinicians should be aware of adhesive capsulitis following vaccine administration since a significant improvement can be obtained by proper treatment for SIRVA.

High- versus Low-dose Steroid Injection for Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder): A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Intraarticular steroid injections are a commonly used and proven treatment for frozen shoulder; however, there is no scientific basis for a certified dose. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to identify the difference between high- and low-dose steroid injections treatments and suggest an appropriate dose. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane electronic databases were searched through February 15, 2023 for eligible randomized controlled trials. The effects of high- and low-dose steroid injections were calculated as standardized mean differences (SMD) in pain, shoulder range of motion (ROM), and functional improvement. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to evaluate evidence quality. RESULTS: Four studies with 274 patients were included in the final analysis. The meta-analysis showed that improvement in pain (SMD, 0.10; 95% CI, -0.12 to 0.32), ROM (SMD, 0.07; 95% CI, -0.05 to 0.19), and functional improvement (SMD, 0.08; 95% CI, -0.10 to 0.26) did not differ significantly between the high- and low-dose steroid injections. Subgroup follow-up analyses also showed no clinically significant differences in SMD for pain, ROM, and functional scale measurement in any subgroups (after 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and one year). One article described that, although there was no significant difference in adverse events frequency between the high- and low-dose groups, flushing tended to occur more frequently in the high-dose group. LIMITATIONS: Limitations are the small number of studies included in the meta-analysis, no disease stage considered, and a short follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis suggests there are no significant differences between the high- and low-dose steroid groups in pain, ROM, or functional improvement. Therefore, considering the side effects of high-dose steroids, starting with low-dose steroids is recommended. However, further studies are needed to establish exact protocols according to disease severity. KEY WORDS: Frozen shoulder, adhesive capsulitis, steroids, triamcinolone acetonide, injections, intraarticular, optimal dose, meta-analysis, randomized controlled trial

OA19 A complex case of bilateral pneumothoraces due to probable certolizumab driven rheumatoid lung nodules

OA19 A complex case of bilateral pneumothoraces due to probable certolizumab driven rheumatoid lung nodules

Arthroscopic capsular release for frozen shoulder: when etiology matters.

No therapeutic intervention is universally accepted for frozen shoulder, and the most effective management to restore motion and diminish pain has yet to be defined. The aim of this study was to investigate functional and psychological outcomes in patients who underwent arthroscopic capsular release for a frozen shoulder. A retrospective study with prospective data collection was conducted with 78 patients suffering from frozen shoulder resistance to conservative treatment. Considering the etiology, there were 36 (46.2%) idiopathic, 31 (39.7%) postoperative, and 11 (14.1%) posttraumatic cases. Preoperatively, each patient was evaluated with the range of motion (ROM) assessment and the Constant-Murley score (CMS). At follow-up, the 4-point subjective satisfaction scale (SSS), the ROM assessment, the SF-12 questionnaire, the numerical rating scale (NRS) for the subjective assessment of pain, the CMS and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were assessed. After a mean follow-up of 54.2 ± 22.3months, ROM and CMS showed a statistically significant improvement between pre- and postoperative values (all p < 0.001). Before surgery, the mean CMS was 36.9% that of sex- and age-matched healthy individuals, and all patients showed a CMS lower than the normative data. At the final follow-up visit, the mean CMS was 99.9% that of sex- and age-matched healthy individuals, and 49 (62.8%) patients showed a CMS equal to or higher than the normative data. The mean increase in the CMS was 56.1 ± 8.3 points. The mean SSS, HADS-A, HADS-D, and NRS were 3.7 ± 0.5, 2.5 ± 1.6, 2.2 ± 1.3, and 2.2 ± 1.0, respectively. All patients returned to their previous level of work and sports activity after 2 and 2.5months, respectively. The multivariate analysis showed the association between a higher postoperative CMS and the idiopathic etiology of a frozen shoulder (p = 0.004, β = 3.971). No intraoperative complications occurred. Postoperatively, four patients (5.1%) were treated with intra-articular steroid injections to manage residual symptoms. One patient (1.3%) with a postoperative frozen shoulder showed persistent symptoms and underwent a new successful arthroscopic capsular release. High patient satisfaction and statistically significant ROM and CMS recovery can be achieved after arthroscopic capsular release to manage frozen shoulder. Better functional outcomes are expected when the etiology is idiopathic. Results can help surgeons identify the patients who will most benefit from surgery and should be discussed with the patient. III.

Manipulation Under Anesthesia with Intra-Articular Steroid Injection versus Manipulation under Anesthesia in Idiopathic Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder in terms of Functional Outcome

Objective: To compare the outcome between manipulation under anaesthesia with intra-articular steroid injection in patients with shoulder adhesive capsulitis.&#x0D; Study Design: Retrospective longitudinal study&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Ziauddin Hospital, Karachi Pakistan, from Sep 2019 to Feb 2020.&#x0D; Methodology: A total of 70 patients diagnosed with primary ACS were distributed into two groups, i.e., Group-M (35 in manipulation under anaesthesia only) and Group-MI (35 in manipulation under anaesthesia with an intra-articular steroid injection). All patients were assessed for shoulder pain and disability index along with the pain severity on the visual analogue scale at each subsequent visit on the first week, 1st, third and sixth months after the intervention.&#x0D; Results: The results indicated a significant time effect (p=0.001) in both groups. The mean shoulder pain, disability index and pain on the visual analogue scale were lesser in the MI-Group than in the M-Group. Further, we found a statistically significant difference in mean shoulder pain (p=0.001) and disability index (p=0.016) between groups at six months.&#x0D; Conclusion: In the initial post-procedure period and over six months of follow-up, MI showed improved outcomes than M. These patients require additional counselling and motivation for long-term physical therapy programs even after intervention for optimal results.Keywords: Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder, Intra-articular steroid injection, Manipulation under anaesthesia

Efficacy of Intraarticular Knee Injection of PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) vs Steroid (Triamcinolone Acetate) for the Treatment of Primary Knee Osteoarthritis Grade I &amp; II

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma), and to compare with Triamcinolone 40mg (Steroid) on functional activity, stiffness and pain in Grade I &amp; II Knee OA. Method: A comparative cross sectional study was conducted at outdoor departments of Advanced Pain Relief Center, Lifeline Hospital Lahore (Pakistan) from January 2022 to December 2022. The present study included a total of 235 participants, out of whom 190 individuals were deemed eligible for inclusion based on predetermined criteria. The remaining 45 participants were excluded from the study due to non-adherence to eligibility criteria and lack of approval from institutional ethical committee. Out of a total of 190 subjects enrolled in the study, 64 (33%) were characterized as male while 126 (67%) were classified as female. The participants' mean age was 53.5 ± 6.4 years. Alternative patients were treated with intra-articular injection of either triamcinolone 40mg or PRP. Patients randomized in Steroid group (n=95) were gives intraarticular 40mg Triamcinolone acetate (1ml) along with 2ml of Local anaesthetic Lignocaine 1%, whereas patients randomized in PRP group (n=95) were injected 5ml PRP. “The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index” (WOMAC) Scale was used for functional disability and pain before and after the therapy for the targeted knee joint at the baseline 1 week, 5 weeks, 8 weeks and 20 weeks follow-ups. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores were also recorded for pain. Data analysis was done by using SPSS version 20. Results: There wasn't any serious adverse effect observed during the study and follow-ups. 25 WOMAC functional activity scale showed statistically significant improvement with Intraarticular knee injection of PRP compared to steroids(40.64±1.87vs.27.17±6.01)(p=0.000). WOMACpainscaleresultsalsodemonstrated that intraarticular knee injection of PRP was more effective in reducing knee pain than steroids (p = 0.000) at 20 weeks follow-up. Conclusion: On the basis of the results of our study, we concluded that platelet rich plasma is more effective than intra-articular steroids in terms of improvement in functional activity and reduction of pain in patients with Grade I &amp; II knee osteoarthritis. Both PRPand steroid intraarticular injections are safe.

Comparison of intra-articular steroid injection versus hydrodilatation with saline and corticosteroid for the treatment of refractory adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder.

Objective: To compare the outcome of intra-articular steroid injection versus hydrodilatation with saline and corticosteroid for the treatment of refractory adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder. Study Design: Randomized Controlled Trial. Setting: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sahiwal Teaching Hospital Sahiwal. Period: February 2021 to January 2022. Material &amp; Methods: A total of 156 patients with refractory adhesive capsulitis were randomized. In Group-A, patients were treated with intra articular steroid injection alone and in Group-B, patients were treated with hydrodilatation using corticosteroid and saline. The patients were followed up at 3rd, 6th and 12th week and their functional outcomes was assessed in terms of pain and range of motion (disability) using “Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI)” scoring system. Results: In a total of 156 patients, 81 (51.9%) were females. The mean age was 51.4±10.6 years (ranged between 33 to 68 years). History of steroid intake was reported in 30 (19%) patients. The mean pain scores on the basis of SPADI scoring at 3-week (p=0.0001), 6-week (p=0.0001) and 12-week (p&lt;0.0001) were significantly less in Group-B when compared to Group-A. The disability scores on the basis of SPADI scoring at 3-week (p&lt;0.0001), 6-week (p&lt;0.0001) and 12-week (p&lt;0.0001) were significantly less in Group-B when compared to Group-A. In comparison to Group-A, functional outcomes were significantly better among patients of Group-B at 6-week (p&lt;0.0001) and 12-week (p&lt;0.0001) intervals. Conclusion: Hydrodilatation along with corticosteroid injection were better treatment options when compared to intra-articular steroid injection alone for reduction in pain and improvement in range of motion among patients with refractory frozen shoulder.

Neutrophils extracellular traps formation may serve as a biomarker for disease activity in oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a pilot study

BackgroundJuvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common chronic rheumatic disease in children, causing significant morbidity. Despite the dramatic improvement in treatment, many patients do not achieve complete remission, and biomarkers for subclinical disease, flares, and response to treatment are lacking. Neutrophils and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) play key roles in the pathogenesis of autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. In this study, we characterized neutrophil enzyme activity and NETs formation in oligoarticular and polyarticular JIA and explored their association with disease activity.MethodsNeutrophils from 6 healthy controls and 7 patients with oligoarticular and polyarticular JIA were freshly isolated at time of diagnosis and after glucocorticoid intra-articular injection. Enzymatic activity of neutrophil granular enzymes was monitored by colorimetry and PMA-activated NETs formation was assessed using fluorescent microscopy.ResultsIn this pilot and feasibility study, we revealed that NETs were significantly increased in oligoarticular JIA patients at time of diagnosis compared to healthy controls. Anti-inflammatory treatment using intra-articular steroid injection normalized NETs formation in these patients. Correlation between NETs formation and clinical Juvenile Activity Disease Activity Score-10 (cJADAS-10) was linear and significant (P = 0.007) in oligo but not in poly JIA patients.ConclusionsThis is the first study exploring the link of NETs formation with oligo and poly JIA activity. We demonstrated a statistically significant linear correlation between cJADAS-10 and NETs formation in oligo but not in poly JIA patients. Hence, we suggest that NETs may reflect clinical disease activity in JIA, and may serve as a putative biomarker. Further work is needed to validate these initial results and determine the dynamics of NETs formation in JIA.

Comparative Analysis of Knee Replacement Surgery who follow up by Physical Therapy and Intra-articular Steroid Injections for Obese Patients.

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is the most common chronic articular disease, and its prevalence has doubled since the mid-20th century. It affects 16% of the adult population over 50 years of age in the post-industrial era [1].&#x0D; Obesity is one of the only modifiable risk factors for both incidence and progression of Osteoarthritis (OA).[2]&#x0D; Although OA was previously regarded as a disease of the elderly, its development starts much earlier than originally thought, and OA is ranked among the top 20 diseases in the 40–45 years age group [3].&#x0D; This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the outcomes of knee replacement surgery following up physical therapy, versus intra-articular steroid injections for obese patients (BMI &gt;30)&#x0D; The study design employed in this review is narrative, and articles published after 2010 from PubMed were considered for inclusion. The review examines the impact of each intervention on the complete regain of knee function in this specific population.&#x0D; Through the analysis of relevant studies, this review seeks to inform clinical decision-making and guide the management of obese patients with knee osteoarthritis.&#x0D; Conclusion. &#x0D; Based on the reviewed literature, knee replacement surgery appears to offer a better chance of achieving complete regain of knee function in obese patients (BMI &gt;30) undergoing physical therapy compared to intra-articular steroid injections. However, the findings are limited by the availability of studies and the heterogeneity in the research methodologies.&#x0D;