title: Intra-articular corticosteroid injections to manage trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis-a systematic review.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Osteoarthritis of the trapeziometacarpal joint (TMJ) is a common condition causing significant disability. The aim of this study is to ascertain whether an intra-articular corticosteroid injection leads to pain relief and increased function and what is the duration and magnitude of this effect.
  
  
  METHODS
  A systematic review with a critical appraisal of identified studies that met the inclusion criteria was performed. Two authors performed the literature review by independently searching the Cochrane, PubMed and Google Scholar databases.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 118 relevant articles were found, but only nine studies met the inclusion criteria which included 4 double-blinded randomised control trials (RCTs) and 5 prospective case series. There is some evidence in the literature to support the efficacy of steroid injections into the TMJ. Most studies do suggest a good short-term benefit. However, one identifies no benefit over placebo but two studies found a benefit lasting at least 6 months.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study demonstrates that there are potentially significant although short-term benefits to be gained from steroid injections into the TMJ. They can lead to pain relief and improved function, certainly in the first 1 to 3 months post-injection. Steroid injections are a low-risk procedure and are helpful in delaying or avoiding the need for surgery.
authors.affiliation: The Pulvertaft Hand Centre, Royal Derby Hospital, Uttoxeter Road, Derby, Derbyshire DE22 3NE UK.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Fowler
authors.affiliation: The Pulvertaft Hand Centre, Royal Derby Hospital, Uttoxeter Road, Derby, Derbyshire DE22 3NE UK.
authors.forename: M G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Swindells
authors.affiliation: The Pulvertaft Hand Centre, Royal Derby Hospital, Uttoxeter Road, Derby, Derbyshire DE22 3NE UK.
authors.forename: F D
authors.initials: FD
authors.lastname: Burke
keywords: Corticosteroid; Intra-articular injection; Trapeziometacarpal joint