ab21217

Non-contrast computed tomography-guided intra-articular corticosteroid injections of severe bilateral hip arthritis in a patient with ankylosing spondylitis

A.S. Santos-Ocampo1, R.S. Santos-Ocampo2

Department of Medicine1 and Department of Radiology2, Makati Medical Center, Makati City, The Philippines.

ABSTRACT
Progressively destructive hip arthritis is a common complication of patients with ankylosing spondylitis. Palliative intra-articular corticosteroid hip injections are helpful in younger patients who wish to delay joint replacement surgery. Non-contrast computed tomo-graphy (CT)-guided intra-articular procedures can potentially minimize radiation exposure compared to fluoroscopy-guided techniques. We des-cribe a CT-guided technique for intra-articular corticosteroid hip injections for severe bilateral hip arthritis which avoids the use of radiologic contrast by documenting the presence of a pre-injection air bubble underneath the fibrous capsule. Significant reduction in symptoms within 48 hours and at 6 weeks post-injection confirmed the successful outcome of this technique.

Key words
Ankylosing spondylitis, arthritis, intra-articular, corticosteroids.

Please address correspondence to: Alberto S. Santos-Ocampo, MD, 190 Mabini Street, San Juan, Metro Manila 1500, Philippines.
E-mail: bersanto@yahoo.com