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

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.

Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18 years or older. * Diagnosed with arthritis in the limbs. * Inadequate response to or contraindication for oral anti-inflammatory medications. * Assessed by a physician as requiring intra-articular corticosteroid injection. Exclusion Criteria: * History of joint replacement (prosthetic joint) in the affected area. * Hip joint involvement. * Diagnosis of gout. * Infectious arthritis. * Presence of cellulitis at the treatment site.