Importance of synovial fluid aspiration when injecting intra-articular corticosteroids

Objective-The aim of this prospective study was to find if a complete synov ial fluid aspiration before injecting intraarticular corticosteroids influe nces the treatment result. Methods-The study was performed in 147 patients with rheumatoid arthritis ( RA). One hundred and ninety one knees with synovitis were randomised to art hrocentesis (n=95) or no arthrocentesis (n=96) before 20 mg triamcinolone h exacetonide was injected. The duration of effect was followed up for a peri od of six months. All patients were instructed to contact the rheumatology department if signs and symptoms from the treated knee recurred. If arthrit is could be confirmed by a clinical examination a relapse was noted. Results-There was a significant reduction of relapse in the arthrocentesis group (p=0.001). Conclusion-The study shows that aspiration of synovial fluid can reduce the risk for arthritis relapse when treating RA patients with intra-articular corticosteroids. It is concluded that arthrocentesis shall be included in t he intra-articular corticosteroid injection procedure.