Outcome of triamcinolone acetonide injection for lateral malleolar bursitis

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and effect of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) injection for lateral malleolar (LM) bursitis. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed data of 49 consecutive patients (49 ankles) who received TA injection between March 2016 and March 2019. All cases received 1 ml (40 mg) of TA injection after aspiration of fluid in the LM bursal sac. Subsequently, the ankle was compressed with an elastic cohesive bandage for 2 weeks. Treatment responses were assessed according to the degree of fluctuation, shrinkage of the bursal sac, and soft tissue swelling. We used the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and complications at 2 and 4 weeks and at 3 and 6 months after TA injection. Results: Forty-four patients (89.8%) experienced complete resolution, four (8.2%) had partial resolution, and one (2.0%) had no resolution after the first or second TA injection. The physical component scores of SF-36 improved from 72.8 ± 6.0 to 82.3 ± 6.5 at the last follow-up ( p < 0.001). Associated complications included skin atrophy in three patients (6.1%) and transient hyperglycemia in four (8.2%). Conclusion: TA injection is an effective and safe procedure for LM bursitis. It should be considered as a primary treatment method.