Non-operative Management of Osteoarthritis (OA) of the Knee: What Should you be Injecting Now and in the Future? (AANA19)-MODERATOR_ Instructional Course Lecture_ Non-operative Management of Osteoarthritis (OA) of the Knee_ What Should you be Injecting Now and in the Future

MODERATOR_ Instructional Course Lecture_ Non-operative Management of Osteoarthritis (OA) of the Knee_ What Should you be Injecting Now and in the Future_-Dr. John C. Richmond, M.D.

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Video Summary

The speaker, a consultant for Flexion, discusses osteoarthritis (OA) knee treatments, focusing on a new long-acting corticosteroid injection, triamcinolone acetonide embedded in PLGA microspheres. Traditional corticosteroids provide 3-4 weeks of relief but rapidly leave the joint, raising concerns about systemic effects and joint damage. The sustained-release version maintains high drug levels in the synovium for up to 12-16 weeks, with lower plasma concentrations, reducing potential side effects like blood glucose spikes. Clinical trials showed significant pain reduction, improved stiffness, function, and quality of life compared to placebo and standard corticosteroids, with minimal adverse events. Repeat injections maintain efficacy without radiographic joint damage. The speaker also highlights the limitations of current AAOS guidelines, which prioritize weight loss and exercise with little endorsement for NSAIDs, hyaluronic acid, or biologics, noting the rise of unregulated biologic treatments. Upcoming talks will cover viscosupplementation and biologics in OA management.

Asset Caption

Instructional Course Lecture: Non-operative Management of Osteoarthritis (OA) of the Knee: What Should you be Injecting Now and in the Future?

Keywords

osteoarthritis knee treatment

triamcinolone acetonide PLGA microspheres

long-acting corticosteroid injection

sustained-release corticosteroids

OA clinical trial outcomes