Role of Intra-Articular Triamcinolone Hexacetonide in Rheumatoid Arthritis, Juvenile Arthritis and Osteoarthritis

Inflammatory joint diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), and osteoarthritis (OA), are leading causes of chronic pain and disability. Effective management is essential to prevent long-term joint damage and improve quality of life. This narrative review examines the role of intra-articular corticosteroid (IACS) injections, with a focus on triamcinolone hexacetonide (THA), in managing these conditions. THA has demonstrated superior efficacy in prolonging remission in RA and JIA in the injected joints, providing sustained relief from pain associated with OA, and offering a better safety profile compared to other corticosteroids, such as triamcinolone acetonide (TA) and methylprednisolone acetate (MPA). In RA, IACS such as THA, when combined with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), play a vital role in controlling disease activity and minimising comorbid risks. THA is preferred over TA in non-systemic JIA due to its longer duration of action and lower relapse rates. Similarly, in OA, THA provides sustained pain relief and functional improvement, offering advantages over other corticosteroids due to its slower systemic release and prolonged joint retention. By enhancing symptom control and reducing inflammation, IACS, especially THA, offer an important therapeutic strategy for patients with RA, JIA, and OA, helping to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.