Intra-articular steroid injections and possible risks
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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The introduction of corticosteroid drugs into the hip joint significantly increases the risk of developing progressive osteoarthritis. Such a disappointing conclusion was made by researchers representing the College of Public Health and Harvard University.
Intra-articular corticosteroid injections are a fairly popular worldwide technique that is widely used in the treatment of inflammatory processes and pain syndromes in people suffering from osteoarthritis of the hip joint . However, if corticosteroids are administered repeatedly, or if excessive dosages of drugs are used, then the risk of developing rapid degenerative joint changes increases. This was stated by Doctor of Medical Sciences Kanu Okike, summing up the results of the study.
During the experiment, two completely different scientific approaches were used: the experts had to evaluate the likely relationship between the development of osteoarthritis and the introduction of corticosteroid drugs into the joint.
The first stage of the study was to compare information on 40 patients with confirmed post-injection degeneration of the hip joint, as well as on more than 700 patients who underwent total hip replacement for various reasons.
After analyzing these data, it was found that injections of corticosteroids into the joints increased the risk of developing rapid degenerative complications by more than 8 times. In addition, the study demonstrated the dependence of the response on the dose of the administered drug. Thus, the risks were 5 times higher in patients treated with low doses of steroids, and 10 times higher in patients who received high doses of drugs. The risks also increased depending on the number of injections made.
The second stage of the research work consisted in the analysis of information on almost 700 patients who underwent intra-articular treatment with glucocorticosteroids. More than 5% of them developed post-injection osteoarthritis: this happened about five months after the treatment. All patients were referred for total hip arthroplasty.
The voiced conclusions allow us to think about the possible danger posed by the popular injection technique. Orthopedic and surgical doctors need to be as accurate as possible in prescribing and careful when conducting intra-articular injections of 80 or more mg of corticosteroid drugs into the femoral joint. If possible, multiple injections should also be avoided.
Source of materials - Журнал хирургии костей и суставов JB JSJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery JB&JS