Intra-articular corticosteroid hip injections: a review of 63 consecutive patients

• Published in: European journal of orthopaedic surgery & traumatology 2006-03, Vol.16 (1), p.20-23
• Main Authors: Shah, Nasir H., Ong, Gim S., Malik, Hammad A., Lovell, Martyn E.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1633-8065; 1432-1068
• DOI: 10.1007/s00590-005-0029-0

In our study of 63 consecutive patients, we present the result of prospective intra-articular injections of bupivacaine and methylprednisolone acetate for osteoarthritis of the hip. Fluoroscopically guided intra-articular hip injections were performed in operating theatre. The effectiveness of the injection was assessed by the help of oxford hip score and was measured before the injection and then at 3 months after the injection. At 3 months, fifty-one patients (81%) showed improvement, four patients (6.3%) showed no improvement while eight patients (12.7%) were worse off after the injection. Two patients had thigh numbness after the procedure, which improved later. No statistical differences were found in the pre-injection and post-injection Oxford hip scores. We conclude that intra-articular hip injections of bupivacaine and methylprednisolone is a safe technique, which can be used with care in patients deemed not fit for hip replacement.