925 - Efficacy and Safety of NSAID Injections for Intra-Articular Joint Pain

Objectives: Intra-articular joint pain is a common and debilitating condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used for the management of joint pain and inflammation. While oral NSAIDs are a popular treatment modality, intra-articular injections of NSAIDs have gained increasing attention for their potential to deliver targeted and rapid pain relief. This study aims to provide a comprehensive review of the efficacy and safety of NSAID injections for intra-articular joint pain.

Design: A systematic review was conducted by searching electronic databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library, for relevant studies. Studies were included if they assessed the use of NSAID injections for intra-articular joint pain in human subjects and reported clinical outcomes. Data on pain relief, functional improvement, adverse events, and patient satisfaction were extracted and analyzed.

Results: A total of 32 studies met the inclusion criteria, encompassing a variety of joints, including the knee, hip, shoulder, elbow, and wrist. NSAID injections were associated with significant pain reduction and functional improvement. The onset of pain relief was generally rapid, often within hours to days after injection. However, the duration of pain relief varied between individuals and joints, with some patients experiencing extended relief while others required repeated injections. Adverse events, such as local reactions (e.g., pain at the injection site, redness, and swelling) and gastrointestinal side effects (e.g., dyspepsia, gastritis), were reported in a subset of studies.

Conclusions: Intra-articular NSAID injections demonstrate substantial potential for the management of intra-articular joint pain, offering effective pain relief and improved joint function. Given the demand for non-opioid pain management strategies, NSAID injections have the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for individuals suffering from intra-articular joint pain. Careful patient selection, joint-specific considerations, and the potential for allergic reactions should be central to clinical decision-making when utilizing this treatment modality.