[Intra-articular injection therapy in patient with rheumatoid arthritis]

For RA, intra-articular injection therapy can be said to be a bridge between systemic therapies, such as pharmacotherapy and rehabilitation, and invasive treatment such as arthroplasty. Precise intra-articular injection with strict aseptic procedure and understanding of joint anatomy is required. Drugs to be injected include steroids, aiming at anti-inflammation and analgesia, and radioisotope and osmate, aiming at synovectomy. Injection is indicated in cases in which pharmacotherapy is ineffective and too early for arthroplasty. Unnecessary frequent injections may increase joint destruction and make proper timing of the operation difficult. Injection should be performed with full understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of RA therapy.