Objective. - To determine whether an intraarticular glucocorticoid injection followed, when possible, by weight-bearing elimination using two crutches reduces the need for total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with rapidly destructive hip osteoarthritis (RDHOA).

Methods. - A longitudinal retrospective study was conducted in patients admitted for RDHOA, defined as loss of more than 50% of the joint space at the narrowest point between two evaluations 1 year apart. A glucocorticoid injection was performed under fluoroscopic guidance. Patients stayed in bed for the next 24 h then used crutches for 4-6 weeks. Follow-up was at least 6 months. The efficacy criterion was absence of THA.

Results. - Twenty-eight patients (22 women) were enrolled between 1993 and 2000. Mean age was 62 years, mean body mass index was 26 kg/m², mean Lequesne index was 11, and mean joint space width was 1.3 mm. Narrowing was superolateral in 19 of the 28 patients. Cortivazol was injected in seven patients, betamethasone in four, and triamcinolone hexacetonide in 17. Weight-bearing elimination for at least 4 weeks was achieved in 15 patients. THA was performed in 27 patients, including 20 who underwent the procedure within the year after the glucocorticoid injection.

Conclusion. - Intraarticular glucocorticoid injection with or without elimination of weight-bearing does not reduce the need for THA in patients with RDHOA.