Effectiveness of Ultrasound Guided Intraarticular Injections with Lidocaine and Triamcinolone: A Retrospective Study of Primary Hip Injections.

BACKGROUND

Ultrasound guided hip injections have played a major role in the in-office diagnosis and treatment of a variety of traumatic and degenerative hip joint conditions. There is limited information as to the onset and duration of relief from these types of injections using a uniform medication combination.

HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE: The purpose of the study is to evaluate the clinical characteristics of a population of patients undergoing ultrasound guided hip corticosteroid injections. We hypothesized that these injections have a low complication rate and a high degree of pain relief for patients.

STUDY DESIGN

Case Series.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study on 117 first time hip intraarticular injections performed by one operator using a single ultrasound machine and using the identical technique. In all cases, the hip joint was injected with 4 mL of 1% lidocaine and triamcinolone 40mg. The preinjection pain score was available in 98 hips with a mean of 6.4 ± 1.9 (mean ± S.D).

RESULTS

96% of patients had immediate improvement of pain (113/117). There were more right than left hips (67 vs 50) and more females than males (63 vs 54). The most common underlying diagnosis was osteoarthritis (53%). The relief duration was less than 3 months for most patients but longer than 6 months in 4 patients. Adverse outcomes were minimal with no infections and one allergic reaction.

CONCLUSION

This series represents the largest series of first time hip intraarticular injections with lidocaine and triamcinolone. This regimen has a high probability of immediate pain relief and low complications based on this series of patients.