Intraarticular Corticosteroids for Hip Osteoarthritis: A Review

Effect of Preoperative Corticosteroid Injections on Postoperative Risk of Periprosthetic Joint Infection and Revision Surgery After Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

In total joint arthroplasty, periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) can be devastating. Corticosteroid injections (CSIs) are commonly administered for temporary pain relief in the setting of various conditions. Therefore, the current systematic review aims to evaluate whether CSIs administered prior to total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) are a risk factor for PJI and revision surgery. A search following guidelines established by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses was performed in the PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases to identify studies evaluating outcomes in patients receiving CSIs prior to TSA. A meta-analysis comparing the risk of PJI between patients receiving CSIs at various time points versus those with no CSIs was performed. Seven studies comprising 49,786 patients who received CSIs were included. Most studies reported significantly higher odds of PJI and revision surgery when CSIs were administered within three months of TSA. The results of the meta-analysis found the risk of PJI was significantly higher when CSIs were administered within three months of TSA (risk ratio (RR): 1.12, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04-1.20, P = 0.002) but not greater than three months prior to TSA (RR: 1.02, 95% CI: 0.80-1.30, P = 0.85), relative to a control group undergoing TSA with no prior CSIs. Several studies have demonstrated that CSIs are associated with increased risks of PJI and revision surgery. A safe interval between CSI and subsequent TSA, to minimize the risk of PJI and revision surgery, appears to be around one to three months, with three months being the safest time period, as supported by the findings of our meta-analysis.

Intraarticular gold microparticles using hyaluronic acid as the carrier for hip osteoarthritis. A 2-year follow-up pilot study

We recently conducted a pilot study in which we discovered that introducing metallic gold microparticles into the knee joint can help reduce pain caused by osteoarthritis for up to two years. Additionally, we identified significant proteomic changes in the synovial fluid and serum within eight weeks of the procedure. In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether there may be a clinical relevant effect of intra-articular injection of gold microparticles on hip osteoarthritis. A cohort of 22 patients, aged ≥ 18 years, with pain ≥ 3 months, and Kellgren-Lawrence OA grade 2-4, were included. Metallic gold 20 mg, 72.000 pieces, 20-40 µ-meter BerlockMicroImplants (BMI) were injected into the hip joint using hyaluronic acid as the carrier. In total, we treated 26 hip joints. The primary outcome was the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC). WOMAC pain decreased from 11 (2-20 to 3 (0-8), stiffness from 6 (0-8) to 1 (0-4), and activity from 43 (18-68) to 11 (0-27), all P = 0.0001. When adjusting for the minimally relevant differences, the P-values were 0.0015 for WOMAC pain, 0.26 for stiffness, and 0.011 for activity. Combined intraarticular treatment with metallic gold microparticles and hyaluronic acid may improve hip joint pain and function. Joint stiffness did not improve when assessed against the minimal clinically relevant difference. This study suggests a basis for a future placebo-controlled randomized trial of gold microparticles and hyaluronic acid in hip osteoarthritic patients.

Comparison of Pain With Ultrasound-Guided Intra-Articular Hip Injections With and Without Prior Subcutaneous Local Anesthesia

OBJECTIVE

To compare pain levels of intra-articular hip steroid injections performed with and without prior subcutaneous local anesthesia (LA) injection.

DESIGN

Randomized prospective study.

SETTING

University-based musculoskeletal clinic.

PARTICIPANTS

Forty-one adult patients undergoing a first-time ultrasound-guided unilateral intra-articular hip steroid injection.

INTERVENTIONS

Subjects were randomized into 1 of 2 groups: intra-articular hip injection with prior subcutaneous LA with 2 mL of lidocaine 1% (With LA) or hip injection without prior subcutaneous LA (Without LA). Visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores (0-100) were collected before and after each injection.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Visual analog scale pain score for the intra-articular hip injection.

RESULTS

Of the 41 total subjects, 18 were randomized to the Without LA group and 23 to the With LA group. There was no significant difference in baseline (preprocedure) VAS scores between the Without LA (mean ± SD = 39.2 ± 27.2) and With LA (41.2 ± 24.0) groups (P = 0.864). The mean ± SD VAS score for the subcutaneous LA injection in the With LA group was 20.4 ± 16.1. There was no significant difference in VAS scores for the intra-articular hip injection between the Without LA (48.5 ± 27.7) and With LA (39.5 ± 25.7) groups (P = 0.232).

CONCLUSIONS

Subcutaneous injection of lidocaine before an intra-articular hip injection did not significantly decrease pain from the intra-articular hip injection. Providers may perform intra-articular hip injections with a 22-gauge 3.5-inch spinal needle without the need for an extra subcutaneous LA injection.

The Efficacy of Bone Marrow Stem Cell Therapy in Hip Osteoarthritis: A Scoping Review

Background

Hip osteoarthritis (HOA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disease with various treatment approaches. Biological agents, such as bone-marrow derived stem cells (BM-MSC) therapy, have recently been proposed as a treatment option in the management of HOA.

Purpose

We sought to further analyze the use of BM-MSC therapy by investigating the following questions. What is the standard preparation and practice? Does a dose response exist between stem cell therapy and clinical outcome? Does BM-MSC therapy alone produce effective clinical outcomes?

Methods

We conducted a scoping review using the Methodological Expectations of Cochrane Intervention Reviews Manual and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines for scoping reviews. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Web of Science Core Collection was performed in June 2023 of studies using exclusively BM-MSC injections for the treatment of HOA. Study characteristic, injection preparation and dosage, clinical outcome measures, and adverse effect data were extracted and interpreted by 3 reviewers.

Results

Seven studies with a total of 72 patients met the inclusion criteria. Clinical outcome following intra-articular injection of BM-MSCs was measured using the numerical pain scale, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, the visual analogue scale, and other scores, all of which showed reduction in pain and increase in functional ability across studies.

Conclusions

This scoping review found that the efficacy of BM-MSC therapy alone in the treatment of HOA appeared beneficial, improving clinical outcomes in each study. All 7 studies used "low-dose" injections with variable follow-up times; thus, a clear dose-response relationship cannot be drawn. Future studies using high doses and analyzing long-term effects of BM-MSC injections in HOA are needed.

Hyaluronic acid/diminazene aceturate combination ameliorates osteoarthritic anomalies in a rodent model: a role of the ACE2/Ang1-7/MasR axis

The implication of the tissue-localized renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA) has been documented in the last decades. A combination of intraarticular (IA) corticosteroid and hyaluronic acid (HYAL) is approved for pain relief in patients with mild to moderate OA. Combining HYAL with an activator of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, diminazen aceturate (DIZE), was evaluated in this study for its therapeutic potential. Monosodium iodoacetate was used to induce OA. The effects of daily administration of DIZE versus once-per-week IA injection of HYAL and a combination of both drugs for 21 days on OA deformities in rats' knees were observed. Evaluation of motor activities, pain, and inflammatory response was done using rotarod, knee bend, and knee swelling tests. RAS components, inflammatory biomarkers, and oxidative stress mediators were measured in the knee joint. X-ray radiological examination and histopathological investigations were used to assess joint degeneration and regeneration. Levels of both inflammatory and oxidative markers in knee joint homogenate of OA rats rose, and these increments were mostly improved by the three therapies with a more prominent effect of the drug combination, an effect that was also reflected in the behavioral tests. RAS markers have shown better responsiveness to the combination therapy over both drugs individually, showing a pronounced increase in the angiotensin 1-7 amount. Both radiological and histopathology investigations came to confirm the biochemical results, nominating a combination of HYAL and DIZE as a possible therapeutic option for OA.

Non-operative Treatment Options for Osteoarthritis in the Hip

With the increased disability associated with osteoarthritis (OA) progression, and the significant socioeconomic burden of joint replacement surgeries, there is a need for more reliable conservative treatments for patients presenting with hip OA. Most studies of OA treatments involve the knee. We conducted a literature search and reviewed non-operative hip OA treatment recommendations by the Osteoarthritis Research Society International, the American College of Rheumatology, American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, and European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology, as well as Cochrane Reviews. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroid injections are the most supported and recommended options for hip OA; other medications with potential benefits for short-term pain relief include acetaminophen and tramadol. Most societies recommend against the use of glucosamine, typical opioids, and viscosupplementation injections. Platelet-rich plasma has potential benefits, but evidence of its effectiveness is incomplete. Further research is needed to better inform and guide clinicians who create treatment plans for patients with symptomatic hip OA.

The Effects of Ultrasound-Guided Intra-Articular Injections with Hyaluronic Acid and Corticosteroids in Patients with Hip Osteoarthritis: A Long-Term Real-World Analysis

Intra-articular (IA) ultrasound-guided hip injections are currently considered a cornerstone of the conservative management of symptomatic hip osteoarthritis (HOA), although their effect on clinical outcomes has not been fully elucidated.The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided IA hip injections of hyaluronic acid (HA) with or without corticosteroids (CS) on pain relief and functional improvement in patients with HOA. In total, 167 patients with HOA were assessed at baseline (T0) and 12 months after injection (T1) using the VAS and GLFS scores. The sample consisted mainly of female subjects (58.1%), presenting an average age of 70.6 ± 12.2 years and grade 3 HOA (63.9%) according to the Kellgren-Lawrence classification. Most of the patients (76.2%) underwent unilateral hip injection with a combination of medium-high molecular weight HA (1500-2000 kDa) and CS. At T1, lower use of anti-inflammatory drugs, an increase in the consumption of chondroprotectors, and an overall reduction of instrumental physical therapies and therapeutic exercise were recorded. In addition, a statistically significant intragroup and between-group decrease observed at T1 for both the VAS and GLFS. Study results suggested that intra-articular hip injections with HA alone and with CS could represent a useful therapeutic tool for pain reduction and functional improvement for patients with hip osteoarthritis.

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.

Designing polymers for cartilage uptake: effects of architecture and molar mass

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive disease, involving the progressive breakdown of cartilage, as well as changes to the synovium and bone. There are currently no disease-modifying treatments available clinically. An increasing understanding of the disease pathophysiology is leading to new potential therapeutics, but improved approaches are needed to deliver these drugs, particularly to cartilage tissue, which is avascular and contains a dense matrix of collagens and negatively charged aggrecan proteoglycans. Cationic delivery vehicles have been shown to effectively penetrate cartilage, but these studies have thus far largely focused on proteins or nanoparticles, and the effects of macromolecular architectures have not yet been explored. Described here is the synthesis of a small library of polycations composed of N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) and N-(3-aminopropyl)methacrylamide (APMA) with linear, 4-arm, or 8-arm structures and varying degrees of polymerization (DP) by reversible addition fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization. Uptake and retention of the polycations in bovine articular cartilage was assessed. While all polycations penetrated cartilage, uptake and retention generally increased with DP before decreasing for the highest DP. In addition, uptake and retention were higher for the linear polycations compared to the 4-arm and 8-arm polycations. In general, the polycations were well tolerated by bovine chondrocytes, but the highest DP polycations imparted greater cytotoxicity. Overall, this study reveals that linear polymer architectures may be more favorable for binding to the cartilage matrix and that the DP can be tuned to maximize uptake while minimizing cytotoxicity.

Intra-articular corticosteroids associated with increased risk of total hip arthroplasty at 5 years

BACKGROUND

Intra-articular corticosteroid injections are commonly administered for hip pain. However, guidelines are conflicting on their efficacy, particularly in patients without arthritis. This study assessed for an association of corticosteroid injections and the incidence of total hip arthroplasty at 5 years.

METHODS

Patients with a diagnosis of hip pain without femoroacetabular osteoarthritis who were administered an intra-articular corticosteroid injection of the hip within a 2-year period were identified from the Mariner PearlDiver database. Patient were matched to patients with a diagnosis of hip pain who did not receive an injection. 5-year incidence of total hip arthroplasty was compared between matched patients who received an intra-articular corticosteroid injection and those who did not.

RESULTS

2,540,154 patients diagnosed with hip pain without femoroacetabular arthritis were identified. 25,073 (0.9%) patients received a corticosteroid injection and were matched to an equal number of control patients. The incidence of total hip arthroplasty (THA) at 5-year-follow up was significantly higher for the corticosteroid cohort compared to controls (1.1% vs. 0.5%; p < 0.001). The incidence and risk of THA increased along with number of injections (1 injection: 0.8%, OR 1.37; 95% CI, 1.34-1.42; p < 0.001, 2 injections: 1.1%; OR 1.45; CI, 1.40-1.50; p < 0.001, ⩾3 injections: 1.5%; OR 1.48; CI, 1.40-1.56; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

There may be a dose-dependent association of corticosteroid injections and a greater risk of total hip arthroplasty at 5 years. These results along with the conflicting guidelines on the efficacy of intra-articular steroids for hip pain should prompt physicians to consider osteoarthritis progression that may occur in the setting of corticosteroid injections in non-arthritic hips.

The role of intra-articular injection of autologous platelet-rich plasma versus corticosteroids in the treatment of synovitis in lumbar facet joint disease

OBJECTIVES

To compare the efficacy between platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and corticosteroids (CS) in improving magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-detected synovitis in correlation with clinical complaints among patients with lumbar facet joint (FJ) disease.

METHODS

This study was carried out at Eldemerdash Hospital, Cairo, Egypt between September 2019 and January 2021. A prospective, randomized, comparative, single blinded study included 30 patients with lumbar FJ disease, divided into 2 equal groups, received PRP and CS injections. Patients were comparatively assessed before and after the intervention according to number of tender lumbar FJs, maximum active lumbar extension range of motion, LBP visual analogue score, LBP functional disability questionnaires and MRI lumbar FJ detected synovitis and their grading.

RESULTS

Both groups showed a significant improvement in all mentioned parameters at follow-up after 3 months. However, PRP injections promoted better performance in terms of MRI synovitis grade in all lumbar FJ levels compared to CS injections.

CONCLUSION

Both PRP and CS injections were effective in improving MRI-detected FJ synovitis while concurrently improving all examined parameters at follow-up after 3 months. However, PRP promoted better improvement in MRI-detected synovitis grade, suggesting that it may be a better treatment option for longer duration efficacy.TRN: NCT04860531- 1/3/2021.

Rapidly progressive idiopathic arthritis of the hip: incidence and risk factors in a controlled cohort study of 1471 patients after intra-articular corticosteroid injection

OBJECTIVE

Rapidly progressive idiopathic arthritis of the hip (RPIA) is defined by progressive joint space narrowing of > 2 mm or > 50% within 1 year. Our aims were to assess (a) the occurrence of RPIA after intra-articular steroid injection, and (b) possible risk factors for RPIA including: patient age, BMI, joint space narrowing, anesthetic and steroid selections, bone mineral density, and pain reduction after injection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective search of our imaging database identified 1471 patients who had undergone fluoroscopically guided hip injection of triamcinolone acetonide (Kenalog) and anesthetic within a 10-year period. Patient data, including hip DXA results and patient-reported pain scores, were recorded. Pre-injection and follow-up radiographs were assessed for joint space narrowing, femoral head deformity, and markers of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis was graded by Croft score. Associations between patient characteristics and outcome variables were analyzed.

RESULTS

One hundred six of 1471 injected subjects (7.2%) met the criteria for RPIA. A control group of 161 subjects was randomly selected from subjects who underwent hip injections without developing RPIA. Compared to controls, patients with RPIA were older, had narrower hip joint spaces, and higher Croft scores before injection (p < 0.05). Patients who developed RPIA did not differ from controls in sex, BMI, hip DXA T-score, anesthetic and steroid injectates, or pain improvement after injection.

CONCLUSION

We found that approximately 7% of patients undergoing steroid hip injection developed RPIA. More advanced patient age, greater joint space narrowing, and more severe osteoarthritis are risk factors for the development of RPIA after intra-articular steroid injection.