Current Trends in Intra-articular Knee Injections Among Family Physicians

Family physicians use a variety of medications and techniques to perform intra-articular knee injections in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. Currently, there is no consensus in the literature among the various specialties that perform joint injections for osteoarthritis of the knee regarding frequency of injections and injectate. The purpose of this study is to examine (1) the types of intra-articular knee injections used by family physicians for arthritis, (2) the most commonly used injectate, (3) the procedural approach, and (4) the maximum number of times the majority of family physicians would inject a single knee. Our study provides a descriptive epidemiology of current knee injection practices in the United States among family physicians.

Surveys were emailed to family physicians. We evaluated and analyzed responses.

We received 360 responses, of which 317 family physicians indicated using intra-articular knee injections for pain. The majority (99%) used intra-articular injection steroid therapy in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. About half (57.4%) of the family physicians would inject the same knee between one to five times.

This study provides an overview of current practices in intra-articular injections among family physicians in the United States and provides important information regarding injection practices. Given the lack of consensus and that current practice contradicts evidence in the literature, consideration should be given among all specialties who perform joint injections to create evidence-based clinical practice guidelines to optimize patient care.