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In Vivo Toxicity of Local Anesthetics and Corticosteroids on Chondrocyte and Synoviocyte Viability and Metabolism CARTILAGE Sherman, S. L., James, C., Stoker, A. M., Cook, C. R., Khazai, R. S., Flood, D. L., Cook, J. L. 2015; 6 (2): 106–12

Abstract

Intra-articular injection of local anesthetic and/or corticosteroid is an adjunct treatment for arthritic and inflammatory orthopedic conditions. Despite potential benefits, there is growing concern that these medications may cause significant morbidity, including potential toxicity to intra-articular chondrocytes and synoviocytes.Twenty dogs underwent intra-articular injection of the shoulder joint using ultrasound guidance, with the following injectates (n = 5 each): negative control (saline), methylprednisolone/1.0% lidocaine, triamcinolone/1.0% lidocaine, and triamcinolone/0.0625% bupivacaine. The dogs were euthanized 24 hours postinjection for reasons unrelated to this study. Synovium/cartilage explants were harvested under sterile conditions and assessed immediately or cultured for 7 days. Synoviocyte and chondrocyte viability was determined on day 1 and day 7 using Calcien AM and Sytox Blue live/dead fluorescent stains, and cell metabolism determined on day 2 using the alamar blue additive test. Results were compared statistically.On day 1 synovium exposed to 1%L/M demonstrated a significant decrease in cell metabolism (P = 0.0107) and subjective synoviocyte viability scores (P = 0.013) compared with the negative control. Cartilage exposed to 1%L/M demonstrated decreased chondrocyte viability and cell metabolism versus all other groups, although not significantly. After 7 days of culture, cartilage viable cell density in the 1%L/M group was significantly (P = 0.001) lower than the negative control. Subjective synoviocyte viability scores was significantly lower in the 1%L/M (P = 0.013), 1%L/T (P = 0.001), and 0.0625%B/T groups (P = 0.006) compared with the negative control.This study suggests potential negative effects of combination local anesthetic/corticosteroid on intra-articular cell viability and cell metabolism. Further study is needed before determining definitive clinical recommendations.

View details for DOI 10.1177/1947603515571001

View details for Web of Science ID 000356631400005

View details for PubMedID 26069713

View details for PubMedCentralID PMC4462250