COMPARATIVE EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF INTRA-ARTICULAR TRIAMCINOLONE ACETONIDE VERSUS METHYLPREDNISOLONE ACETATE IN KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Background: Intra-articular corticosteroid injections are a widely used therapeutic intervention for knee osteoarthritis (OA), offering temporary symptom relief. Among the corticosteroids available, triamcinolone acetonide (TA) and methylprednisolone acetate (MPA) are most frequently utilized. However, the comparative efficacy and duration of relief provided by these agents remain under debate.

Objectives: This systematic review aims to synthesize current evidence comparing the efficacy, safety, and duration of effect of TA and MPA when administered intra-articularly for patients with knee OA.

Methods: Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, electronic searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for studies published between 2000 and 2024. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and systematic reviews comparing TA and MPA in knee OA patients. Primary outcomes assessed included pain relief (VAS, WOMAC), duration of symptom relief, and adverse effects.

Results: Sixteen eligible studies were included. The findings revealed that both TA and MPA are effective in reducing knee OA symptoms in the short term. However, TA demonstrated a more sustained analgesic effect, often exceeding 6–8 weeks post-injection, compared to MPA. Safety profiles were comparable across agents, with no significant increase in adverse events reported for either steroid.

Conclusions: Triamcinolone acetonide may offer superior medium-term pain relief compared to methylprednisolone acetate in managing knee OA without additional safety concerns. These findings support individualized corticosteroid selection based on patient response, OA severity, and flare frequency.