JOINT AND SOFT-TISSUE INJECTION - A USEFUL ADJUVANT TO SYSTEMIC AND LOCAL TREATMENT

Joint and soft-tissue injection call augment systemic and local conser vative treatment and have long-lasting benefits. Inflammatory and crys talline arthritis, synovitis, tendinitis, bursitis, and many other con ditions respond well to injection. Corticosteroid preparations should be chosen on the basis of solubility and potency desired and the size of structure to be injected. Injections should not be made directly in to a ligament or tendon and should be limited to every third or fourth month. With attention to the usual cautions required with corticoster oid use and avoidance of contraindications (eg, bacteremia, fracture), injection is usually safe and effective, particularly as a bridging t echnique to long-term therapy.