Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) mediated inflammation has been implicated, in knee osteoarthritis, despite being a predominantly degenerative condition.
A 56-year old female, a case of left knee pain not responding to conventional conservative strategies.
A diagnosis of primary osteoarthritis of the left knee, grade 3 osteoarthritis as per the Kellgren-Lawrence Scale was established.
She was administered an intra-articular injection of 10 mg of Adalimumab, a commonly used anti-TNF agent.
The patient was evaluated at baseline, 1 month, 3 months, and at 6 months. There was a marked improvement in pain intensity (visual analog scale) and quality of life, despite no objective change on the parameters seen on ultrasound of the knee.
Injection of adalimumab via the intra-articular route into the knee joint in primary osteoarthritis yields promising results.