[Arthrocentesis in rheumatology practice]

This study of Norwegian rheumatologists' use of intraarticular steroid injections is based on a survey among members of the Norwegian Society for Rheumatology. 79% of the members responded, i.e. 108 rheumatologists. 69 reported having used intraarticular steroid injections in any joint during the last week, a total of 637 times. There have been no previous studies on this subject in Norway. The results show that Norwegian rheumatologists consider intraarticular steroid injections a very effective treatment. Only 9% reported that they had seen side effects over the last 12 months (a total of 51 side effects), of which post-injection pain and subcutaneous atrophy were the most common. There were no reports of septic arthritis. Almost all side effects were considered not serious.