Ten randomized controlled trials were included in this meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of intra-articular corticosteroid injections compared to placebo for the management of knee osteoarthritis. A dichotomous outcome of symptom improvement, defined as the most important patient-oriented outcome, and pain outcome were evaluated. Corticosteroid injections resulted in a favourable outcome for symptom improvement and a significant reduction in pain over the short term (2 weeks). Symptom improvement at 16-24 weeks favoured corticosteroid injection, but was based on data from only 2 studies. Additional trials using homogenous outcome measures are needed to add to the body of evidence.