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Question:

I’m considering to get a cortisone shot in my DIP joint of my middle finger? What are the risks or downsides?

Scores:

anthropic: 7.5 gemini: 10 openai: 8 cohere: 9

Answer:

anthropic / claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929
Score: 7.5
Cortisone injections in DIP (distal interphalangeal) joints carry several risks. The small size of finger joints increases technical difficulty and complication rates. Key concerns include: tendon rupture (particularly the extensor tendon, which is superficial), skin atrophy or depigmentation at the injection site, fat atrophy causing dimpling, infection (though rare), temporary pain flare for 24-48 hours post-injection, and potential cartilage damage with repeated injections. There's also risk of subcutaneous steroid deposit if injection misses the joint. Some studies suggest cortisone may provide only temporary relief (weeks to months) for DIP osteoarthritis. The finger's limited soft tissue makes complications more visible and potentially more problematic than in larger joints. Many hand specialists are cautious about DIP injections due to the risk-benefit ratio, especially given the proximity of important structures in such a small space.

Graders:

gemini / gemini-2.5-flash
Score: 10
The answer is highly accurate, comprehensive, and relevant. It thoroughly covers all major risks and downsides associated with cortisone injections in DIP joints, including specific concerns like extensor tendon rupture, skin/fat atrophy, infection, cartilage damage, and the challenges posed by the small size of the joint. It also appropriately notes the temporary nature of relief and the caution exercised by hand specialists. There are no factual errors or bad information present.
openai / gpt-4o-mini
Score: 8
The answer accurately outlines several risks associated with cortisone injections in the DIP joint. However, it could provide more details on the effectiveness and duration of relief specific to DIP joint conditions. It mentions potential cartilage damage with repeated injections, which is an important point, though further clarification on the clinical evidence supporting this could enhance completeness. While the risks mentioned are relevant and accurate, a brief mention of alternative treatments could provide a more rounded perspective for decision-making. The mention of potential temporary pain flare is also helpful but should be contextualized regarding patient experiences. Overall, the information provided is useful but could benefit from a more balanced view that includes treatment effectiveness and alternative options.
cohere / command-r-plus-08-2024
Score: 9
The answer is comprehensive and accurate, covering the key risks associated with cortisone injections in DIP joints. It appropriately highlights the technical challenges due to the small joint size and the potential for various complications, including tendon rupture, skin and fat atrophy, infection, pain flare, and cartilage damage with repeated injections. The mention of subcutaneous steroid deposits and the limited duration of pain relief is also relevant. However, it could be improved by providing more detail on the frequency of these complications, especially tendon rupture and cartilage damage, as this would further enhance the understanding of the risks. Additionally, while the answer is generally well-rounded, it might be beneficial to briefly mention any potential benefits or alternatives to cortisone injections for DIP joint osteoarthritis, offering a more comprehensive overview.
Scores are 0–10. The selected AI’s score is a self-rating.