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.
INTRODUCTION:Osteoarthritis of the trapeziometacarpal joint (TMJ) is a common condition causing significant disability. Conservative treatments include intra-articularsteroid 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.
Authors: Benton E Heyworth; Jonathan H Lee; Paul D Kim; Carter B Lipton; Robert J Strauch; Melvin P Rosenwasser Journal: J Hand Surg Am Date: 2008-01 Impact factor: 2.230
Authors: Charles S Day; Richard Gelberman; Alpesh A Patel; Molly T Vogt; Konstantinos Ditsios; Martin I Boyer Journal: J Hand Surg Am Date: 2004-03 Impact factor: 2.230