Knee osteoarthritis constitutes a public health concern of immense dimensions, and places a burden on society similar to few other conditions. Corticosteroids are used for treatment. The aim of this study is to evaluate efficacy of intra-articular triamcinolone injections for osteoarthritis of the knee. This is a double blind, prospective, randomized, and controlled study conducted at Deccan college of medical sciences, Hyderabad after obtaining permission from the hospital ethics committee. This study includes 60 patients of both sexes aging from 50-70 years. These patients were divided in two groups randomly by the closed-envelope technique. Diagnosis was done using Kellgren and Lawrence scale for osteoarthritis. The efficacy of pain relief in the 2 groups were compared using Visual analog score (VAS), Oxford knee Score and McGill Quality of life score followed upto 6 months. The study group was given 40mg of 1ml triamcinolone acetate and compared with control normal saline. The base line parameter VAS scores (6.03±1.36 &6.43±1.02) Oxford knee Score (44.46±4.02 & 45.23±5.23) and QOL scores (86.03±4.36 and 85.36±5.32) were comparable. The use of triamcinolone decreased the pain and pain relief was satisfactory to patients and it also improved the Quality of life score   up to 6 months.

Keywords: Osteo- arthritis; intra-articular injection; steroid; triamcinolone acetonide.

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Dr Venkat Lakavath

Associate Professor, Department of Orthopaedics, Government, Medical College, Nizamabad, Telangana State