Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids

Abstract

All nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including selective COX-2 inhibitors, have anti-inflammatory analgesic and antipyretic effects, and some of them also have antithrombotic effects. Although NSAIDs are structurally organic acids, chemically they constitute a heterogeneous group. Long-term use of NSAIDs may cause many side effects, especially in older patients, so they should be used cautiously. Corticosteroids effectively suppress inflammation, and they are used in the treatment of both systemic and local inflammation. This chapter mainly discusses local intra-articular injections of steroids, to the tendon sheath, in bursitis and simple bone cysts.