Abstract
Corticosteroids are routinely injected into soft tissues, tendon sheaths, bursae,
and joints. These anti-inflammatory agents have different potency and solubility,
and solubility is inversely correlated with the duration of action. Corticosteroids
carry a low risk of complications but commonly cause systemic and local adverse effects.
The use of intra-articular corticosteroid injections in the treatment of inflammatory
arthritis and osteoarthritis is well established. Evidence also supports the use of
injectable corticosteroids in the treatment of inflammatory tenosynovitis and bursitis
associated with rheumatic diseases, trigger finger and de Quervain disease, and carpal
tunnel syndrome. The role of corticosteroid injections in the management of rotator
cuff disease remains unclear. Strong scientific evidence indicates that corticosteroid
injections for lateral epicondylosis worsen the long-term outcomes of patients. This
review article discusses the considerations related to the use of corticosteroid injections
in the management of nonspinal musculoskeletal conditions.
Keywords
corticosteroid - intra-articular injection - soft tissue injection - tendinopathy
- musculoskeletal disorders