Evaluation of transdermal steroids for trapeziometacarpal arthritis

This report has been verified by one or more authors of the original publication.

62 consecutive patients presented with 82 arthritic trapeziometacarpal joints with joint pain of at least 1 month duration and positive findings for at least one of 2 physician-delivered provocative tests to the passive hand: grind test (simultaneous axial compression and rotation of thumb) or localized tenderness at TMC joint, were randomized to be administered steroid or placebo intradermally via iontophoresis or via phonophoresis. At 6 month post-treatment there was no statistical difference in subjective and objective assessments between the placebo and steroid treatment via either iontophoresis or phonophoresis methods.