Intra-articular corticosteroid reduces joint stiffness after an experimental periarticular fracture

Early care after surgery or trauma to the extremities often includes a period of immobilization. The resultant joint stiffness may require extensive rehabilitation and may permanently limit function of the limb. Posttraumatic joint stiffness is particularly vexing in the small joints. In an experimental model, we tested the effects of intra-articular corticosteroid injections on stiffness in a joint at risk of posttraumatic joint stiffness. Triamcinolone was injected into ankle joints of rabbits after distal tibial fractures. Three weeks after injury, joint stiffness increased 34% in ankles injected with the steroid. Stiffness in ankles injected with saline solution and in ankles treated with no injection increased 133% and 224%, respectively. Limb swelling and tibial torsional strength to failure were not significantly affected by either of the treatments.