A Prospective Observational Study to Evaluate Safety and Efficacy of Intraarticular Administration of Triamcinolone Acetonidein Knee Osteoarthritis in A Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Objective: Osteoarthritis is a chronic disease marked by cartilage deterioration, affecting millions globally.  Although incurable, it can be managed with adjuvant therapy. This study aims to assess the safety and efficacy of intra-articular Triamcinolone acetonide in knee OA, a corticosteroid used for OA, Rheumatoid arthritis, gouty arthritis, and skin disorders. Methods: In a prospective observational study with 120 participants, pain severity was evaluated using numerical pain rating and KL-grade scales, while joint space narrowing was assessed via X-ray reports. Subjects were categorized by severity and prescribed intra-articular Triamcinolone acetonide, analgesics, NSAIDs, PPIs, and supplements. They were monitored for pain reduction. Results: Pain scores were evaluated using NPRS and KL-grade scale: initially, severe pain affected 4.1% (n=5), moderate 86.6% (n=104), mild 9.1% (n=11). After three follow-ups over 6 months, severe pain decreased to 1.6% (n=2), moderate to 84.1% (n=101), and mild increased to 14.1% (n=17). Conclusion: Our study concludes that intra-articular triamcinolone acetonide, combined with oral and topical analgesics, PPIs, nutritional, and vitamin supplements, is safer and more effective for knee OA, improving patient quality of life, reducing disease severity, prescription charges, and adverse drug reactions.