[Steroid infiltrations in orthopedics]

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Pharmacology

Context:

• Intraarticular infiltrations have a 60-year history with evolving techniques and corticosteroids.
• Recent innovations have improved the efficacy and safety of these treatments.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the 10-year experience and outcomes of using betamethasone dipropionate and betamethasone sodium phosphate (Diprospan) for orthopedic conditions.

Summary:

• A retrospective study analyzed 793 patients receiving intraarticular or soft tissue injections of Diprospan combined with local anesthetics.
• Treatments targeted intraarticular, post-traumatic, and degenerative conditions of the knee and shoulder, as well as soft tissue ailments like bursitis and plantar fasciitis.

Impact:

• Ninety-two percent of patients showed clinical improvement, with potential to avoid surgical intervention.
• The study concludes that betamethasone infiltrations are justified, safe, and effective in orthopedic practice when applied correctly.