The Efficacy of Ultrasonication in Combination With Corticosteroid Intraarticular Injection for Arthritis

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Therapeutic Ultrasound: Therapeutic Ultrasound (TUS) is a non-invasive treatment widely used in physical medicine and rehabilitation for musculoskeletal conditions. Since its introduction in the mid-20th century, TUS has gained popularity in clinical practice due to its ability to penetrate tissues, target treatment areas precisely, and exhibit minimal side effects. This study aims to investigate the mechanisms of action, clinical efficacy, and safety of therapeutic ultrasound in musculoskeletal therapy.

Intra-articular corticosteroid injection: Injection of triamcinolone (3-50 mg depending on joint size) into the affected joint. Administered once per participant.

Study summary

This study investigates whether ultrasound therapy applied prior to intra-articular corticosteroid injection can enhance the treatment efficacy for patients with joint arthritis and assess its safety. Adult patients diagnosed with arthritis in the limbs who are indicated for corticosteroid injection are eligible, while patients with joint replacement, hip joint involvement, gout, infectious arthritis, or local cellulitis are excluded.

Ultrasound therapy is a valuable physical therapy tool for musculoskeletal diseases, producing therapeutic effects through thermal and non-thermal mechanisms. It can improve tissue extensibility, reduce joint stiffness, increase local blood flow, enhance metabolism during tissue repair, and facilitate drug absorption. This study evaluates whether applying ultrasound before intra-articular corticosteroid injection improves therapeutic outcomes in patients with arthritis, and assesses the safety of this combined intervention. Patients aged 18 or older, diagnosed with limb arthritis, and indicated for corticosteroid injection are eligible. Exclusion criteria include joint replacement, hip joint involvement, gout, infectious arthritis, or local cellulitis at the treatment site.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Reduction in Synovial Swelling Area Assessed by Joint Ultrasound — From enrollment to the end of treatment at 2 weeks
  Synovial swelling area (pixels) assessed by joint ultrasound. A treatment response is defined as a ≥50% reduction in synovial swelling area from baseline.
• Change in Power Doppler (PD) Score of the Target Joint — From enrollment to the end of treatment at 2 weeks
  Power Doppler (PD) score (range 0-3) of the target joint assessed by joint ultrasound. A treatment response is defined as a PD score of 0 at 2 weeks post-treatment.
• Change in Pain Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) — From enrollment to the end of treatment at 2 weeks
  Pain intensity assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS 0-10). A treatment response is defined as a ≥50% reduction in VAS score from baseline or a VAS score ≤1 at 2 weeks post-treatment.

Trial sites (1)

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