Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Effectiveness and safety of hip joint injections for osteoarthritis
By Liu C et al.·2026·University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine, Canada·View original on Europe PMC →
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Original publication title: Comparing the Efficacy and Safety of Intra-articular Injection Treatments for Hip Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis.
Plain-English summary
Hip osteoarthritis is a painful condition that affects the joints, causing stiffness and discomfort. While surgery can be a definitive solution, many people look for less invasive options like injections. This study reviewed various injection types, including corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, and platelet-rich plasma, to see how well they relieve symptoms over time. After analyzing data from 14 studies with over 1,200 participants, the researchers found that none of the injection types showed a significant advantage in reducing pain or improving function compared to a placebo at 3, 6, or 12 months. Overall, the treatments did not demonstrate a clear benefit, suggesting that more research is needed to explore their long-term effectiveness.
Abstract
<h4>Background</h4>Hip osteoarthritis is a debilitating condition that leads to progressive joint pain and stiffness. While total hip arthroplasty provides definitive treatment, intra-articular injections offer a less invasive alternative for patients. Several injection options are available, including corticosteroids (CS), hyaluronic acid (HA), and platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Previous reviews and network meta-analyses have compared the short-term efficacy of these injections, but it remains unclear if a particular injection provides superior symptom relief for up to 12 months.<h4>Purpose</h4>To provide an updated summary of the current hip intra-articular injection literature and compare the efficacy of all injection types at 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months.<h4>Study design</h4>Systematic review; Level of evidence, 1.<h4>Methods</h4>Four databases were queried: Web of Science, Embase, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The primary outcome measures were the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index Total Score (WOMAC-Total) and the visual analog scale (VAS) at 3, 6, and 12 months. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was used to assess study quality. Treatment effects were expressed as mean differences for the WOMAC-Total and standardized mean differences for the VAS.<h4>Results</h4>A total of 14 studies were included in the final analysis with 1254 participants. Eight unique intra-articular injection types were identified: CS, HA of varying molecular weights (low, high, and ultra-high), PRP, CS + high molecular weight HA, PRP + HA, and standard of care/placebo (SOC/PBO) group. When compared with SOC/PBO, no statistically significant differences in WOMAC-Total and VAS outcomes were observed between any injections at 3, 6, or 12 months.<h4>Conclusion</h4>There were no statistically significant differences in WOMAC-Total and VAS outcomes at any time point between all injection types to baseline. Future studies should compare the long-term efficacy of various intra-articular injections with a control and examine the efficacy of combined injections.<h4>Registration</h4>CRD42024574937 (PROSPERO identifier).
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Search related cases →Original publication on Europe PMC: https://europepmc.org/article/MED/41993104