Revisiting Intraarticular Corticosteroid Injections and Sports Medicine: Outcomes and Perioperative Considerations

Abstract

Intraarticular corticosteroid injections are commonly administered by physicians to provide analgesia for acute athletic injuries, though there is an increasing body of literature that has illuminated substantial risks to the soft tissues. A review of Clinical Key, MEDLINE, and PubMed databases from 2012 to 2020 was performed using search terms, including corticosteroid, shoulder arthroscopy, knee arthroscopy, hip arthroscopy, intraarticular, and injections. The references of pertinent articles were reviewed for other relevant sources. Corticosteroid injections can provide reliable pain control in athletes for various pathologies affecting the shoulder, knee, and hip. The use of these medications has demonstrated efficacy in some disorders, whereas the clinical benefit for others remains questionable. Intraarticular injections to the shoulder, knee, and hip are all associated with increased risks to the soft tissues, which must be considered and weighed heavily, especially in an athlete. Perioperative corticosteroids confer an increased risk of surgical site infection after knee, shoulder, and shoulder arthroscopy. Subacromial injections confer an increased risk for revision rotator cuff repair if given within 6 months of surgery, but are safe if given at least 1 month postoperatively. Hip injections for chondral pathology perform significantly better than those for labral injuries.