Expert consensus on glucocorticoids injection for knee osteoarthritis

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Rheumatology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) significantly impairs physical function and quality of life.
• Glucocorticoid (GC) injections are common for rapid KOA pain relief.
• Lack of guidelines leads to inconsistent clinical use of GCs in KOA.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop evidence-based recommendations for GC utilization in KOA management.
• To standardize clinical practices for GC injections in Chinese patients with KOA.

Main Methods:

• A multidisciplinary panel of Chinese KOA experts convened.
• Iterative discussions synthesized current evidence and domestic clinical experience.
• Developed 22 consensus recommendations for GC use in KOA.

Main Results:

• The consensus covers GC selection, patient targeting, and administration protocols.
• Recommendations address dosing frequency and contraindications for GC injections.
• Aims to standardize evidence-based GC utilization in KOA care.

Conclusions:

• Standardized guidelines are needed for effective and safe GC use in KOA.
• This consensus provides a framework for consistent clinical application of GCs.
• Promotes evidence-based practice for managing knee osteoarthritis pain with GCs.