Changes in biomechanics, strength, physical function, and daily steps after extended-release corticosteroid injections in knee osteoarthritis: a responder analysis.

Extended-release corticosteroid injections demonstrated short-term improvements in gait biomechanics, quadricep strength, and physical function for up to 4 weeks. However, non-responders demonstrated gait biomechanics associated with osteoarthritis progression prior to the corticosteroid injection, suggesting that non-responders demonstrate more deleterious gait biomechanics prior to corticosteroid injection. Key Points • Individuals with knee osteoarthritis who were treated with extended-release corticosteroid injections demonstrated improvements in gait biomechanics and physical function for 8 weeks. • Individuals with knee osteoarthritis, who walked with aberrant walking biomechanics before treatment, failed to respond to extended-release corticosteroid treatment. • Future research should determine the mechanisms contributing to the short-term changes in gait biomechanics and physical function such as reduced inflammation.