Efficacy of Intra-Articular Steroid Injections in Patients with Degenerative Knee Osteoarthritis in Dongola Specialist Hospital, Sudan (2024–2025)
Feisal Monowar Ahmed Esmeil
SMSB, Dongola University, Northern State, Sudan.
Hazim Faisal Abd Elrahman Zakaria
SMSB, Northern State, Sudan.
Ibaid Abdallatif Abdalhalim
SMSB, Northern State, Sudan.
Mohammed Alamin Ezzaldin
SMSB, Northern State, Sudan.
Wafa Mohammed Hussein Abuelgasim
National Ribat University, Khartoum, Sudan.
Muslih Haroun Elhussien Gamea *
Department of Hematology and Immunohematology, Register of the National Council for Medical and Health Professions, Northern State, Sudan.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disorder associated with pain, stiffness, impaired mobility, and functional limitation. Intra-articular corticosteroid injections are used to provide symptomatic relief, but the duration of benefit may be limited.
Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of intra-articular steroid injections in patients with degenerative knee osteoarthritis treated at Dongola Specialist Hospital, Sudan, during 2024–2025.
Methods: This observational, prospective, hospital-based study included 60 patients with degenerative knee osteoarthritis. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, and pain and function were assessed with the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Outcomes were assessed before injection and at 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months after injection.
Results: Half of the participants were aged 60–80 years; 58% were female and 42% were male. Forty per cent had been diagnosed with osteoarthritis for 5–10 years. The mean total WOMAC score decreased from 89 before injection to 57 at 3 weeks, then increased to 71 at 6 weeks and 83 at 3 months, indicating an early improvement followed by progressive loss of benefit. Post-injection pain flare occurred in 5 patients (8.3%), and mild local swelling occurred in 3 patients (5%). At 3 months, females had higher WOMAC scores than males (86.48 vs 81.04; p = 0.021), while age and disease duration were not significantly associated with WOMAC outcomes.
Conclusion: Intra-articular corticosteroid injections were associated with short-term symptomatic improvement in knee osteoarthritis, with benefit diminishing by 3 months.
Keywords: Intra-articular steroid injections, knee osteoarthritis, improvement, osteoarthritis