Intraarticular glucocorticosteroid injection into the lateral atlantoaxialjoint under fluoroscopic control - A retrospective comparative study in patients with mechanical and inflammatory disorders

Objectives. To evaluate the overall efficacy in various disorders of glucoc orticoid injection into the lateral atlantoaxial joints, performed via the posterior route under fluoroscopic control. Methods. Retrospective study of 26 patients including 16 (19 injections) with mechanical disorders and ten (16 injections) with inflammatory disorders. Results. The response rate wa s 69.3%, the mean pain scale score decrease was 52.3+/-40.1%, and the mean duration of pain relief was 8.1+/-11.8 months. All three parameters were si gnificantly (P < 0.005) better in the subgroup with inflammatory disorders than in the subgroup with mechanical disorders (response rate, 100% vs 50%; pain scale score decrease, 89 +/- 27% vs 34.2 +/- 40%, and pain relief dur ation, 16.9 +/- 14.9 months vs 24.5 months). A single patient developed a s ide effect (moderately severe hypertension). Conclusion. Glucocorticoid inj ection into the lateral atlantoaxial joints is a valid treatment alternativ e in patients who fail to respond to conventional noninvasive therapy. (C) 2000 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.