[Complications of local use of hydrocortisone and their prevention]

Since 1966 to 1976 3694 patients were treated for deforming arthrosis (4953 joints) with local periarticular novocain-hydrocortisone blockades supplemented with intramuscular injections of rheopyrin (pyrabutanol). The method proved to be highly effective, being not inferior to intraarticular injections of hydrocortisone suspension. Only in 8 patients phlegmons occurred, the excision of which resulted in prompt recovery. Hydrocortisone injection in the articular cavity is inherent in the development of grave complications (28 observations), which resulted in amputation of the extremity in 3 patients and in lethal issues--in 6.