NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - A single injection into the hip of steroid and local anesthetic improved pain and function in patients with hip osteoarthritis in a randomized controlled trial, with most of the benefit seen early after treatment.
Researchers at two community-based clinics in England assigned 199 volunteers to receive either an ultrasound guided intra-articular hip injection of 40 mg triamcinolone acetonide and 4 mL 1% lidocaine hydrochloride combined with best current treatment, an injection of lidocaine alone plus best current treatment, or best current treatment alone.
Patients were at least 40 years old, with moderate to severe hip pain on most days for at least six weeks and a diagnosis of hip osteoarthritis within the last two years based on clinical history, examination and imaging. Patients were excluded if they had steroid injections in the past three months, previous hip surgery or infection.
The primary outcome was pain at six months as reflected on a 0-10 numerical rating score. Secondary outcomes included pain, stiffness and physical function (WOMAC scores), pain self-efficacy, patient's impression of pain, general health, return to work and satisfaction with treatment. Follow up questionnaires were mailed to patients at two weeks and at two, four and six months; the average weighted follow up rate was 93%.
