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Review
. 2010 Nov;92(8):680-4.
doi: 10.1308/003588410X12699663905078. Epub 2010 Jul 19.

The benefit of radiologically-guided steroid injections for trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis

M G Swindells  1 , A J Logan, D J Armstrong, P Chan, F D Burke, T R Lindau
Affiliations
Review

The benefit of radiologically-guided steroid injections for trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis

M G Swindells et al. Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2010 Nov.

Abstract

Introduction: Osteoarthritis of the trapeziometacarpal joint (TMJ) is a common condition causing significant disability. Conservative treatments include intra-articular steroid injections.

Patients and methods: This clinical, observational study prospectively reviewed the longevity of benefit of steroid injections into the TMJ. Eighty-three patients were recruited with a median age of 62 years and injected with steroid and local anaesthetic under radioscopic guidance. They were followed up until the analgesic effects ceased with a questionnaire including visual analogue scores.

Results: Two-thirds of patients were improved at 2 months, with nearly half having a 3-month improvement. One in six patients had a 6-month benefit, with some patients still improved 2 years after injection. Previously injected patients had a reduced duration of benefit compared to their previous injection. Severity of osteoarthritis did not affect the injection efficacy.

Conclusions: Based on this study, we recommend steroid injections in all degrees of TMJ osteoarthritis.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
X-ray image of needle within TMJ.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Kaplan–Meier plot of patient follow-up and end-point of the study.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Pain before and during injection, demonstrating VAS range, interquartile range and median.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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