COMPARISON OF INTRA-ARTICULAR CORTISONE ANALOGUES IN OSTEO-ARTHRITIS OF THE KNEE BY

The use of intra-articular steroids in the treatment of osteo-arthritis of the knee joints has not been much discussed in the literature. Burgess (1957) states that intra-articular hydrocortone is of most value in joints distended by synovial fluid. Williams (1958) found that hydrocortisone tertiary-butylacetate was effective over a longer period than hydrocortisone, but that both might dramatically relieve symptoms, especially pain, for anything from 2 weeks to several months. Zuckner, Machek, and Ahern (1956) compared the effects of intra-articular hydrocortisone acetate and hydrocortisone tertiary-butylacetate in a number of rheumatic joints, including the knee. They found no significant difference between the two compounds, but state