The effect of intra-articular hydrocortisone on knees affected by rheumatoid synovitis has been assessed objectively by the use of an electrogoniometer. The range of flexion during walking has been shown to improve, in some cases into the normal range, and this effect was maintained to a significant degree for eight weeks in a group of 12 patients. Function was shown to improve more slowly than pain and this may have an important bearing on future assessment of anti-inflammatory drugs.ion during walking has been shown to improve, in some cases into the normal range, and this effect was maintained to a significant degree for eight weeks in a group of 12 patients. Function was shown to improve more slowly than pain and this may have an important bearing on future assessment of anti-inflammatory drugs.ion during walking has been shown to improve, in some cases into the normal range, and this effect was maintained to a significant degree for eight weeks in a group of 12 patients. Function was shown to improve more slowly than pain and this may have an important bearing on future assessment of anti-inflammatory drugs. The benefits of hydrocortisone have been measured against intra-articular saline in a single-blind study and shown to be significant both symptomatically and functionally.