[Management of para-articular cysts in progressive chronic polyarthritis]

Peri-articular cysts complicating rheumatoid arthritis give rise to a difficult therapeutic problem. The origin of these cysts is discussed with particular reference to Baker's cyst. In principle, treatment is identical with that used in chronic joint effusions. The authors have noted satisfactory results with a steroid-synoviorthesis using triamcinolone acetonide (Kenalog, Squibb, Volon, Heyden). Best results have been achieved by injecting triamcinolone into both the cyst and the corresponding joint. The total effect of intraarticular use of this drug is discussed.