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Effects of periarticular steroid injection on knee function and the inflammatory response following unicondylar knee arthroplasty

  • Knee
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Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy Aims and scope

Abstract

There is little information on the values of CRP and ESR as markers for inflammation in Unicondylar Knee Arthroplasty. The effect of periarticular steroid injection in post-operative pain relief and clinical recovery has not been well studied. Eighty-three consecutive patients undergoing primary UKAs were randomized to receive either an intra-operative periarticular injection with a local anaesthetic and adrenaline or with the addition of triamcinolone acetonide. CRP and ESR values, pain VAS and other scores, as well as clinical functional parameters, were obtained and analysed. Patients were assessed daily till discharge and up to 6 months post-operatively. Plasma CRP and ESR fluctuate after a UKA, with normalizing values indicating uneventful recovery. Periarticular steroid injections reduce post-operative pain and inflammation, and are clinically relevant as they improve short-term functional recovery and clinical parameters, resulting in better outcomes for patients without having major complications.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Block 6 Level 7, Singapore General Hospital, Outram Road, Singapore, 169608, Singapore

    Yung Chuan Sean Ng, Ngai Nung Lo, Kuang Ying Yang, Shi Lu Chia, Hwei Chi Chong & Seng Jin Yeo

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  1. Yung Chuan Sean Ng
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  2. Ngai Nung Lo
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  3. Kuang Ying Yang
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  6. Seng Jin Yeo
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Correspondence to Yung Chuan Sean Ng.

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Ng, Y.C.S., Lo, N.N., Yang, K.Y. et al. Effects of periarticular steroid injection on knee function and the inflammatory response following unicondylar knee arthroplasty. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 19, 60–65 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-010-1126-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-010-1126-0

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