[Prolonged effect of intra-articularly administered corticosteroids in combination with arthroscopic lavage in patients with an inflammatory arthritis of the knee].

Arthroscopic lavage of a joint with saline followed by the administration of corticosteroids intra-articularly could lead to an improved functioning of the joint. In a recent study published in this issue the results of arthrocentesis with intra-articular administration of corticosteroids was compared with lavage with or without intra-articular administration of corticosteroids in patients with a non-infectious inflammatory arthritis of the knee joint. The results confirm earlier reports, which demonstrated that the beneficial therapeutic effects of corticosteroids administered intra-articularly can be prolonged by a therapeutic lavage in patients with non-infectious inflammatory arthritis, provided the lavage is performed with a sufficient amount of saline.