Study Summary

Fifty-two patients with primary hip osteoarthritis (OA) were randomized to receive either a corticosteroid or placebo injection for the relief of pain, and improvement of function and quality of life. The primary outcome of interest was pain scored on the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis index (WOMAC). Secondary outcomes of interest included WOMAC stiffness and physical function scores, a patient's global assessment of health, Short-Form 36 (SF-36) physical component, bodily pain, physical function and social function scores, internal and external rotation, and analgesic pill count. Outcomes were assessed at 1, 2, 3, and 6 months post-treatment; however, data were lacking for 3 and 6 months post-treatment due to severe attrition in follow-up numbers. The corticosteroid group reported significantly favourable WOMAC sub-scales for pain, stiffness, and physical function scores, patient's global assessment of health scores, and SF-36 physical component, bodily pain, physical function, and social function scores compared to the placebo group. No significant differences in internal or external rotation, or analgesic pill count were observed between the two treatment groups.