Intraarticular Steroid Injection

Intraarticular steroid injection is an injection of some particulate steroid inside the synovial sac of the joint. But sometimes it is injected around the joint capsule also.

What is intraarticular steroid injection?

It is an injection of some particulate steroid inside the synovial sac of the joint. But sometimes it is injected around the joint capsule also. For patients seeking intraarticular steroid injection in Mumbai, this procedure is widely available at various specialized orthopedic and rheumatology centers with state-of-the-art imaging facilities.

Which are the steroids that are injected?

The most common type of steroids that are used for intraarticular use are Methyl Prednisolone and Triamcinolone. Besides, depo preparation of Dexamethasone and Betamethasone is also available in some countries and used occasionally. Earlier, hydrocortisone or cortisone was used and nowadays these are not used.

The dose of steroids depends on the size of the joint. Thus, 5-40 mg of depo methylprednisolone or equivalent dose is used for small joints like facet joints, Sacroiliac joints, wrist joints, interphalangeal joints. Whereas, 20-80 mg of depo methylprednisolone or equivalent dose is used for large joints like knee joint, hip joint, shoulder joint, etc.

Safety

Depo-preparation of steroids doesn’t have many systemic effects when injected within joints and used within recommended doses. These depo-preparation are particulate steroids having prolonged effects for several weeks and that’s why they should not be repeated too often particularly within one month. Actually, repeated use of depot steroids can have cumulative effects and might have more side effects.

Thus, an intraarticular steroid is safe if used within recommended doses and if not repeated within one month.

For patients looking for intraarticular steroid injection in Mumbai, experienced physicians use advanced imaging techniques like C-arm fluoroscopy and high-resolution ultrasonography to ensure precise needle placement and optimal therapeutic outcomes. Many specialized centers in Mumbai also offer comprehensive pre-procedure assessment and post-injection care protocols to maximize the benefits of the treatment.

Indications

There are several indications of intraarticular steroid injections. These are:

The most common indication is inflammation of joints in rheumatoid arthritis or spondyloarthritis. Commonly injected joints are wrist joints, interphalangeal joints, knee joints, hip joints, shoulder joints, ankle joints, facet joints, sacroiliac joints, etc.

It is also indicated in degenerated arthropathies particularly when it is associated with joint effusion. However, regeneration therapies with platelet rich plasma, bone marrow aspirate, or adipose tissues are better choices for degenerated joints which is more commonly known as osteoarthritis.
Sometimes it is used in crystal arthropathies like pseudogouts.

There are several indications of steroid use other than joints. The indications are:

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome

Guyon’s canal entrapment

Dequarvain’s disease

Tennis elbow

Golfer’s elbow

Different types of bursitis

Plantar fasciitis

What are the side effects of steroids?

Repeated use of steroids might have the following side effects:

Moon face
Weigt gain
Hypertension
Rise of blood sugar
Increase of osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures
HPA exis suppression

How can we minimize the doses of steroids?

Earlier, the injection of steroids was done in blind and landmark techniques. Thus, chances of inappropriate injection were a possibility. So, to minimize the possibility of inaccurate injection of steroids, larger doses and volumes were used so that some amount is installed inside the joint or at least around the joint.

Nowadays it is recommended to inject every intraarticular injection under some form of image guidance like C-arm or ultrasonography. So, with real-time image physician can see the needle tip inside the joint and inject it in the proper position.

Thus, with accurate placement of the needle, success can be assured and the total doses of steroids can be minimized.

FAQ’s

How much steroid can be injected per dose?

What are the indications of an intraarticular steroid injection?

There are several indications of intraarticular steroid injections. These are:

The most common indication is inflammation of joints in rheumatoid arthritis or spondyloarthritis. Commonly injected joints are wrist joints, interphalangeal joints, knee joints, hip joints, shoulder joints, ankle joints, facet joints, sacroiliac joints, etc.
It is also indicated in degenerated arthropathies particularly when it is associated with joint effusion. However, regeneration therapies with platelet rich plasma, bone marrow aspirate, or adipose tissues are better choices for degenerated joints which is more commonly known as osteoarthritis.
Sometimes it is used in crystal arthropathies like pseudogouts.

Can steroids be used outside joints also?

There are several indications of steroid use other than joints. The indications are:

Carpal tunnel syndrome
Tarsal tunnel syndrome
Guyon’s canal entrapment
Dequarvain’s diseas
Tennis elbow
Golfer’s elobow
Different types of bursitis
Plantar fasciitis

Sometimes depo methylprednisolone is used in systemic inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis flare-up, or in spondyloarthropathies.

Intraarticular Steroid Injection

What is intraarticular steroid injection?

Which are the steroids that are injected?

Safety

Indications

What are the side effects of steroids?

Quick Links

Treatments

Get Support

PAIN CAMP

Conditions Treated

Contact Us

Visit Us