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Indications for intra-articular steroid in osteoarthritis of the ankle and big toe joints


TL Sarkin

Abstract

The results of treatment with intra-articular steroid in an unselected group of patients with osteo-arthritis of the ankle and metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe are described. From the results of this trial it is possible to lay down indications for the use of intra-articular steroid in these conditions. In the ankle joint it is suggested that symptoms must not be so severe as to be disabling, and that the interval of time between the precipitating trauma and the onset of symptoms should be as long as possible, but certainly not less than 2 years. In osteo-arthritis of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe, for intra-articular steroid injections to be of value there must be no hallux valgus deformity and at least 45° of free movement must be retained in the affected big toe joint.

S. Afr. Med. J., 48, 2067 (1974).

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eISSN: 2078-5135
print ISSN: 0256-9574