Inflammatory characteristics on ultrasound predict poorer longterm response to intraarticular corticosteroid injections in knee osteoarthritis

79 patients with knee osteoarthritis were randomized to a single intraarticular injection of 40mg/mL triamcinolone acetonide or saline. The purpose of this study was to compare the change in pain on the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) between groups after 4 and 12 weeks and to determine if the effects differed among patients with and without inflammation of the joint. Results demonstrated a significantly greater reduction in WOMAC pain, as well as WOMAC total and Physician Global Assessment (PGA) after 4 weeks following injection with triamcinolone versus saline. However, differences between groups in the change after 12 weeks were not significant.