Intra-Articular Triamcinolone Hexacetonide and Osmic Acid in Persistent Synovitis of the Knee

Abstract

43 rheumatoid knees with persistent effusion were treated by intra-articular injections of triamcinolone hexacetonide (40 mg) or combined triamcinolone–osmic acid. Both treatments produced long-lasting improvements in the treated knees. Osmic acid seemed to potentiate the effect of the steroid. This was demonstrated by measurement of joint circumference and local ^99mTc uptake. In the general clinical evaluation the difference between the treatments was not noticeable. The percentage of ‘excellent’ and ‘good’ improvements was 36 at 12 months in the steroid-group and 44 in the steroid–osmic acid group.