title: Diagnostic and therapeutic injection of the hip and knee.
abstract: Joint injection of the hip and knee regions is a useful diagnostic and therapeutic tool for the family physician. In this article, the injection procedure for the greater trochanteric bursa, the knee joint, the pes anserine bursa, the iliotibial band, and the prepatellar bursa is reviewed. Indications for greater trochanteric bursa injection include acute and chronic inflammation associated with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, repetitive use, and other traumatic injuries to the area. For the knee joint, aspiration may be performed to aid in the diagnosis of an unexplained effusion and relieve discomfort caused by an effusion. Injection of the knee can be performed for viscosupplementation or corticosteroid therapy. Indications for corticosteroid injection include advanced osteoarthritis and other inflammatory arthritides, such as gout or calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease. Swelling and tenderness of pes anserine or prepatellar bursae can be relieved with aspiration and corticosteroid injection. Persistent pain and disability from iliotibial band syndrome respond to local injection therapy. The proper technique, choice and quantity of pharmaceuticals, and appropriate follow-up are essential for effective outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Medicine, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08903, USA. cardonda@umdnj.edu
authors.forename: Dennis A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Cardone
authors.forename: Alfred F
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: Tallia
mesh_terms: D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006621:Hip Joint / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D007270:Injections, Intra-Articular / Q000379:methods*; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000187:drug effects*; D010146:Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D013396:Suction / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D005938:Glucocorticoids