Title: Intraarticular Co-Injections for Knee Osteoarthritis: An Evaluation of Effectiveness through A Systematic Review
Background: Knee osteoarthritis is a prevalent degenerative condition that leads to discomfort and influences elderly function causing huge burden. Intraarticular injections are commonly used to improve pain and function in individuals with knee osteoarthritis. Co- intraarticular injections, involving the simultaneous administration of different substances, have emerged as a potential recently-introduced management option.
Objective: This systematic review aims to assess the efficacy of intraarticular co-injections in the management of knee osteoarthritis.
Methods: A thorough search of electronic databases such as PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane was conducted to identify relevant studies investigating the effectiveness of intraarticular co-injections in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Studies meeting the inclusion criteria were selected, followed by data extraction and quality assessment.
Results: A total of 16 studies met the eligibility criteria for this systematic review. The combinations of corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, platelet-rich plasma, and Ozon were detected. The results from the included studies indicated that intraarticular co- injections may offer enhanced pain relief and functional improvement compared to single injections or non-invasive treatments for knee osteoarthritis. However, there were inconsistencies in the findings across studies, and the optimal combination of substances for dual injections remains uncertain.
Conclusion: Intraarticular co-injections are a promising choice for managing knee osteoarthritis, showing potential efficacy in alleviating pain and improving function in affected individuals. Further research is necessary to determine the most effective combination of substances for combined injections and to establish the long-term efficacy of this treatment approach.
Dr. Nastaran Maghbouli is an assistant professor specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation. She obtained her medical degree from Tehran university of medical sciences and completed her residency training at its top hospital. With her research experience in the field.