Efectividad a corto y largo plazo de las infiltraciones con corticoides en dolencia osteoarticular. Estudio prospectivo a 2 años

Main objective

To evaluate the short- and long-term effectiveness and safety of corticosteroid injections.

Design

Descriptive, prospective study.

Location

Urban general practice centre.

Participants

Adult patients (age >18 years) who experienced failure of medical treatment and reported pain scores ≥4 on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).

Interventions

Patients received injections of triamcinolone acetonide, maximum 3 injections.

Main measurements

Short-term success was defined as a reduction of ≥3 points on the VAS. Long-term success was defined as the absence of symptom recurrence at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months, with an assessment of any complications.

Results

A total of 345 corticosteroid injections were administered. Patient's mean age was 58.8 years, and 73% were women. The most common conditions treated included rotator cuff disorders (38.3%), plantar fasciitis (16.5%), trochanteric bursitis (15.7%), epicondylitis (11.6%), and anserine bursitis (9.6%). 78.6% of injections were successful short term, with an average VAS reduction of 4.4 points (95% CI: 4.1-4.7). For the primary conditions, the VAS reduction exceeded 4 points. Long-term success rates were 73.3% at 6 months, 64.6% at 12 months, 60.6% at 18 months, and 56.5% at 24 months (P < 0.001). At 24 months, the success rates were: rotator cuff disorders (49.2%), plantar fasciitis (49.1%), trochanteric bursitis (66.7%), epicondylitis (47.5%), and anserine bursitis (84.8%). The overall complication rate was 1.2%, all being minor.

Conclusions

Corticosteroid injections are highly effective and safe for managing osteoarticular conditions short term. However, the effectiveness declines progressively over 2 years, with outcomes varying depending on the specific pathology.