Preoperative Corticosteroid Injections Research Articles

Perioperative Intravenous Dexamethasone Use Is Not Associated with Periprosthetic Joint Infection or Wound Healing Complications Following Shoulder Arthroplasty

BackgroundPerioperative intravenous (IV) dexamethasone is commonly used in lower extremity total joint arthroplasty to manage postoperative pain and nausea/vomiting, and recent studies have demonstrated that its use may lower rates of acute postoperative medical complications. However, there is limited information regarding the safety and efficacy of IV dexamethasone in patients undergoing total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). Additionally, there is concern surrounding corticosteroid use prior to surgery as preoperative corticosteroid injections have been associated with adverse outcomes after TSA, including periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) and revision surgery. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of perioperative IV dexamethasone on 90-day rates of PJI, wound complications, and medical complications after TSA. MethodsThe Premiere national hospital database was used to identify adult patients undergoing elective TSA between 2016 and 2020; patients were excluded if they were under 18 years old, were undergoing revision TSA, or had a prior proximal humerus open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) procedure. Patients who did and did not receive perioperative IV dexamethasone were then compared in both univariate and multivariate analyses. A Bonferroni correction was utilized to adjust for multiple comparisons. The primary endpoint was risk of acute infectious complications within 90 days of surgery, including PJI and wound infection/dehiscence. Secondary endpoints included acute pulmonary, renal, and thromboembolic complications. ResultsA total of 135,333 patients underwent TSA during the study period; 61.2% underwent reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA), 33.8% underwent anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (ATSA), and 5.0% underwent hemiarthroplasty (HA). From 2016 to 2020, perioperative IV dexamethasone use increased by 135%. Multivariate analysis revealed that patients who received perioperative IV dexamethasone did not have increased odds of PJI, superficial wound infection, or wound dehiscence (p = 0.15 – 0.47) but did have decreased odds of sepsis (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.55-0.81) and other medical complications such as urinary tract infection (UTI) and acute kidney injury (AKI). Additionally, there was a trend towards decreased 90-day hospital readmission (OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.81-0.96, p=0.003). ConclusionsPerioperative IV dexamethasone was not associated with increased risk of acute infectious and wound healing complications. Moreover, patients who received perioperative IV dexamethasone had decreased odds of medical complications and trended towards lower rates of 90-day hospital readmission. The results of this study support the safety of perioperative IV dexamethasone use in patients undergoing elective TSA.

Judicious use of corticosteroid injections prior to shoulder arthroplasty does not compromise outcomes at a minimum of 2 years following surgery

BackgroundThe use of total shoulder arthroplasty is continuing to rise with its expanding indications. For patients with chronic conditions, such as glenohumeral arthritis and rotator cuff arthropathy, nonoperative treatment is typically done prior to arthroplasty and often includes corticosteroid injections. Recent studies in the shoulder arthroplasty literature as well as applied from the hip and knee literature have focused on the risk of periprosthetic infection. Literature is lacking as to whether the judicious use of corticosteroids in the year prior to arthroplasty influences patient reported outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine if preoperative corticosteroid injections prior to shoulder arthroplasty affected two-year patient-reported outcomes. MethodsRetrospective review of anatomic and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty patients (n=230) was performed at a single institution including multiple surgeons. Patients were included if they had preoperative and a minimum of 2-year postoperative patient reported outcomes, including: ASES, VAS, SANE, VR12-PCS, and VR12-MCS. Patients were included in the injection group if they had received an injection, either glenohumeral or subacromial, within twelve months prior to arthroplasty (inject=134). Subgroup analysis included anatomic (TSA=92) and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA=138) as well as those with no injection within 12 months prior to surgery. An ANOVA was used to compare outcomes between patients who received an injection and those who did not prior to TSA and RSA. ResultsThere were 230 patients included with 134 patients in the injection group and 96 in the no injection group. Patients who received an injection in the year prior to arthroplasty displayed a significantly higher ASES [82 (16.23SD) vs. 76 (19.43SD), p < .01] and SANE [70 (24.49SD) vs. 63 (29.22SD), p < .01] scores versus those who had not received injection. There was no difference when comparing preoperative injection versus no injection in patients undergoing TSA. Those patients undergoing RSA displayed significantly higher ASES scores (p<.01). There were no significant differences in VAS, VR12-PCS, and VR12-MCS among any analysis (P>0.05), and the MCID in ASES was not different between groups (p.09). ConclusionCorticosteroid injections within twelve months prior to anatomic and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty do not compromise patient reported outcomes during a minimum of two-year follow-up. Although more complications occurred in the injection group, it did not reach statistical significance and warrants further study in a larger population.

Do Preoperative Corticosteroid Injections Increase the Risk of Infection after Shoulder Arthroscopy or Shoulder Arthroplasty? A Systematic Review.

Corticosteroid injections have demonstrated short-term benefits for shoulder pain. This symptomatic treatment method is used in various inflammatory conditions that affect the shoulder joint. Corticosteroid joint injections are not without risks and complications. Adverse effects have been documented, including damage to the articular cartilage, tendon rupture, and attenuation of the subject's immune response. The aim of this study was to examine the timing of preoperative corticosteroid injections on infectious outcomes of shoulder arthroscopies and shoulder arthroplasty. In accordance with the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), the PubMed, Cochrane, and Science Direct databases were systematically reviewed by two independent authors in January 2024. After full-text reading and checking the reference lists, 11 article were included. Patients who received a shoulder injection within three months prior to undergoing shoulder arthroplasty exhibited a markedly elevated incidence of infection. In addition, a significantly increased risk of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) at 90 days postoperatively in patients who received CSIs (corticosteroid injections) within 1 month prior to shoulder arthroplasty was found. Different authors consider CSI injections within the 2 weeks prior to shoulder arthroscopy surgery principally associated with an increased risk of postoperative infection. There is still no consensus on the correct timing of preoperative CSIs in both arthroscopic and arthroplasty procedures. The literature does not identify whether the number of preoperative injections could increase the risk of periprosthetic infection. Obesity, sex, and smoking did not have a significant effect on PJIs; alcohol abuse could be considered as a risk factor for PJIs with CSIs. Both in prosthetic surgeries and in arthroscopy procedures, modifiable and unmodifiable factors play secondary roles. The risk of postoperative infection is greater within 3 months, although it is almost comparable at one- and two-year follow-ups.

Does prior ipsilateral steroid injection affect outcomes after shoulder arthroplasty?

BackgroundSteroid injections are a well-known first-line treatment for glenohumeral osteoarthritis; however, many patients eventually require definitive management with surgery. Recent literature has called into question the safety of steroid injections before shoulder surgery due to increased infections and revisions. Conclusive data regarding the relationship between preoperative injection and postoperative outcomes is lacking. This study aimed to determine the impact of ipsilateral injections on clinical outcomes following shoulder arthroplasty (SA). MethodsA retrospective study was performed on patients who underwent SA by a single fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon from 2017 to 2021. Patients were divided into two cohorts based on preoperative corticosteroid injection: (1) injection group (IG) and (2) no injection (control group (CG)). The IG was further stratified based on number of injections (1 vs. ≥2 injections) and timing of injections relative to surgery (<3 months, 3-12 months, and >12 months). Patient-reported pain and satisfaction, simple shoulder test, shoulder pain and disability index, visual analog scale for pain, University of California-Los Angeles score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Constant-Murley score, range of motion, complications, and reoperations were collected preoperatively and at final follow-up. Comparisons were made between groups and the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and substantial clinical benefit (SCB) were calculated for each score. Results421 patients (IG = 98 patients, CG = 323 patients) were included, with mean follow-up of 22 months. The IG had more females (69.1% vs. 48.9%; P < .001) and older age (75 vs. 70; P < .001). There was significantly greater preoperative range of motion in the IG for forward elevation (80° vs. 70°; P = .025) and abduction (70° vs. 60°; P = .004). At final follow-up, all groups had a high percentage (mean 80.26%) of patients exceeding both MCID and SCB for all measures. More patients in the IG exceeded MCID and SCB for visual analog scale for pain (P = .009 and P = .007, respectively), and MCID for American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (P = .046) compared to the CG. The group with ≥2 injections reported worse shoulder pain and disability index scores (P = .024). Complication and reoperation rates were comparable between groups. ConclusionOur study indicates that a single ipsilateral shoulder injection did not worsen postoperative outcomes or complication rates following SA. However, patients who received two or more injections had inferior patient-reported outcomes. Surgeons can continue to use injections as a viable first-line management option before shoulder arthroplasty for reliable pain relief without concerns for increased complications.

Corticosteroid Injections Administered Within 4 Weeks Prior to Hip Arthroscopy Are Associated With Higher Rates of Postoperative Infection

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between the timing of intra-articular hip corticosteroid injections and the risk of postoperative infection in patients undergoing hip arthroscopy. MethodThe 2010-2021 PearlDiver M157 administrative claims database was queried for patients who underwent hip arthroscopy. Patients who received intra-articular corticosteroid injections within 12 weeks prior to arthroscopy were matched to those who did not 1:1 based on age, sex, and Elixhauser-Comorbidity Index, and the presence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obesity, and tobacco use. Those with injection prior to arthroscopy were subdivided based on having had the injection within 12 weeks prior to surgery. To verify that the corticosteroid injection and surgery were conducted in the hip joint, Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes were utilized. Using CPT coding and the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) 9th or 10th Revision, postoperative surgical site infection following corticosteroid injection was evaluated. The impact of the timing of preoperative corticosteroid injections on the incidence of postoperative infection was evaluated using multivariable logistic regression analysis. ResultsA total of 12,390 hip arthroscopy cases were identified, including 3,579 patients who received a corticosteroid injection 0-4 weeks prior to the surgery, 4,759 within 4-8 weeks prior to the surgery, and 4,052 within 8-12 weeks prior to the surgery. Compared to controls, patients who received a corticosteroid injection within 0-4 weeks preoperatively had a significantly higher rate of surgical site infection (OR 2.43; P=0.0001). No significant differences were observed in infection rates at the later time intervals (4-8 weeks or 8-12 weeks). Furthermore, in comparison to controls, patients who received a corticosteroid injection had a significantly higher rate of wound dehiscence (OR 1.84, P=0.0007). ConclusionIntra-articular corticosteroid injections within 4 weeks prior to hip arthroscopy were significantly associated with increased surgical site infection rates following hip arthroscopy surgery.

Periprosthetic Joint Infection Risk After Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty: Are All Preoperative Corticosteroid Injections the Same?

BackgroundPrevious evidence has demonstrated an increased risk of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) following primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in patients receiving corticosteroid injection (CSI) within 3 months of surgery. The study aimed to determine if PJI risk after TKA varied among different corticosteroid agents. MethodsA total of 85,073 patients undergoing primary TKA from 2009 to 2019 were identified from a large national database. Of these, 1,092 (1.3%) received an ipsilateral, intra-articular CSI within 90 days of TKA. These patients were compared to those not receiving CSI using multivariate logistic regressions following 1:4 propensity score matching, with PJI development as the primary outcome. ResultsPatients given an injection of any corticosteroid within 90 days of TKA had significantly higher PJI rates compared to controls (1.6 versus 0.41%; P < .001). This finding was driven by patients receiving methylprednisolone acetate (n = 543) or betamethasone (n = 153), with prevalence rates of 1.7 and 2.6%, respectively (P = .003 and P = .01, respectively). No significant increase in the rate of PJI was observed for patients receiving triamcinolone (1.2%; P = .08; n = 342) or dexamethasone (0.0%; P = 1; n = 54) within 90 days preceding TKA. PJI risk for all agents, administered more than 90 days preoperatively normalized to control levels (0.51 versus 0.34%). ConclusionsThese results suggest that PJI risk varies with CSI type. In this large database study, only patients given methylprednisolone acetate or betamethasone injections within 90 days of surgery had significantly higher PJI rates compared to controls.

Corticosteroid injection of the knee within one month prior to meniscus repair increases the risk of repair failure requiring meniscectomy

ABSTRACT Objective Meniscal tears are common knee injuries with limited endogenous healing capacity. This study aimed to investigate the association between the timing and administration of preoperative intra-articular corticosteroid injections (CSIs) and the risk of subsequent meniscectomy following meniscus repair. Methods Using a national insurance claims database, patients aged 18–40 years undergoing meniscus repair within six months of tear diagnosis were studied. Patients were categorized based on whether they received preoperative CSIs within three intervals prior to repair. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze the risk of follow-up meniscectomy while controlling for various patient-related variables. Results Among 5,390 patients meeting inclusion criteria, 201 received preoperative CSIs. The CSI group was older and had higher rates of diabetes, obesity, and knee osteoarthritis. The overall rate of follow-up meniscectomy did not differ between groups. However, CSIs performed within one month prior to repair were associated with significantly higher odds of subsequent meniscectomy compared to CSIs performed between three and six months prior. Obesity, tobacco use, and knee osteoarthritis were also independently associated with higher risk, while increasing age was associated with lower risk. Conclusion The study highlights an increased risk of repair failure requiring follow-up meniscectomy for patients receiving intra-articular CSIs within one month prior to meniscus repair. These findings suggest caution when considering CSIs as a treatment option for patients scheduled for meniscus repair. Further research is needed to establish optimal timing guidelines for CSIs in relation to meniscus repair and to understand the underlying mechanisms.

Preoperative Corticosteroid Injections Within 4 Weeks of Arthroscopic Shoulder Procedures Are Associated With Increased Postoperative Infection Rates

To refine the understanding of the effect of timing of corticosteroid injections (CSIs) and shoulder arthroscopy on postoperative infection. An insurance database was used to determine all patients who underwent shoulder arthroscopy for a 5-year period with an associated preoperative ipsilateral corticosteroid injection. Patients were stratified into cohorts based on timing of preoperative CSI: (1) 0-<2 weeks, (2) 2-<4 weeks, (3) 4-<6 weeks, and (4) 6-<8 weeks. Patients were pooled to include all patients who had a CSI less than 4 weeks and those longer than 4 weeks. A cohort of patients who never had a corticosteroid injection before undergoing arthroscopy were used as a control. All patients had a follow-up of 2 years. Multivariable regression analyses were performed using R Studio with significance defined as P<.05. Multivariate logistic regression showed a greater odds ratio (OR) for postoperative infection in patients who received CSI 0-<2 weeks before shoulder arthroscopy at 90 days (3.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.62-5.57, P<.001), 1 year (2.51, 95% CI 1.46-4.12, P < .001), and 2 years (2.08, 95% CI 1.27-3.28, P= .002) compared with the control group. Patients who received CSI 2-<4 weeks before shoulder arthroscopy had greater OR for infection at 90 days (2.26, 95% CI 1.28-3.83, P= .03), 1 year (1.82, 95% CI 1.13-2,82, P= .01), and 2 years (1.62, 95% CI 1.10-2.47, P=.012). Patients who received CSI after 4 weeks had similar ORs of infection at 90 days (OR 1.15, 95% CI 0.78-1.69, P=.48) 1 year (OR 1.18, 95% CI 0.85-1.63 P= .33), and 2 years (OR 1.09, 95% CI 0.83-1.42, P= .54), compared with the control cohort. The present study shows the postoperative infection risk is greatest when CSIs are given within 2 weeks of shoulder arthroscopy, whereas CSIs given within 2-<4 weeks also portend increased risk, albeit to a lesser degree. The risk of postoperative infection is not significantly increased when CSIs are given more than 1 month before surgery. Level III, retrospective comparative, prognosis study.

Risk of Infection After Total Knee or Hip Arthroplasty After Receipt of Multiple Corticosteroid or Hyaluronic Acid Injections.

Few studies have assessed the relationship between the quantity of preoperative corticosteroid injections (CSIs) or hyaluronic acid injections (HAIs) and postoperative infection risk after total knee or hip arthroplasty (TKA, THA). We aimed to (1) determine whether the number of injections administered before TKA/THA procedures is associated with postoperative infections and (2) establish whether infection risk varies by injection type. This retrospective cohort study included 230,487 THAs and 371,511 TKAs from the 2017 to 2018 Medicare Limited Data Set. The quantity of CSI or HAI, defined as receiving either CSI or HAI ≤2 years before TKA/THA, was identified and categorized as 0, 1, 2, or >2. The primary outcome was 90-day postoperative infection. Multivariable regression models measured the association between the number of injections and 90-day postoperative infection. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were reported. The percentage of THA patients receiving 1, 2, and >2 preoperative CSIs was 6.1%, 1.6%, and 0.8%, respectively. Receiving >2 CSIs within 2 years before THA was associated with higher odds of 90-day postoperative infection (odds ratios = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.11 to 2.74, P = 0.02). The percentage of TKA patients receiving 1, 2, and >2 CSIs was 3.0%, 1.2%, and 1.1%, respectively. For HAIs in TKA patients, percentage receiving injections was 98.3%, 0.6%, 0.2%, and 0.9%, respectively. Quantity of CSIs or HAIs administered was not associated with postoperative infection among TKA patients. Patients receiving >2 injections before THA had higher odds of 90-day postoperative infection. This finding was not observed in TKA patients. These results suggest that the use of >2 injections within 2 years of THA should be avoided.

Does preoperative corticosteroid injection increase the risk of periprosthetic joint infection after reverse shoulder arthroplasty?

Corticosteroid injections (CSIs) are used for the symptomatic management of osteoarthritis. However, their use may contaminate the joint space and pose an increased risk of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) following reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess whether there is any association between the timing of CSI and the incidence of PJI at 90 days, 1 year, and 2 years postoperatively. Specifically, we assessed the risk of PJI in patients who received CSI <1 month, 1-2 months, 2-3 months, and >3 months prior to RSA, as well as associated risk factors for PJI with CSI. We queried a national, all-payer database to identify patients who underwent RSA from October 1, 2015, to October 31, 2020 (1.5 million patients). Patients who received an osteoarthritis diagnosis prior to RSA were selected, whereas those with bilateral RSA or >1 injection on the same side were excluded. This resulted in 5 cohorts: cohort receiving CSI within 4 weeks of RSA (n=5607), cohort receiving CSI 1-2 months prior to RSA (n=3024), cohort receiving CSI 2-3 months prior to RSA (n=1572), cohort receiving CSI >3 months prior to RSA (n=16,302), and control cohort with no injection prior to RSA (n=21,938). Bivariate χ2 analyses of outcomes were conducted, in addition to multivariate regressions performed to adjust for comorbidities, as well as to assess associated risk factors. The adjusted analyses demonstrated a significantly increased risk of PJI at 90 days in patients who received CSI within 1 month of RSA (P<.001). Additionally, the PJI risk was increased at 1 year postoperatively in patients who received CSI within 1 month of RSA (P=.015). However, no significant increase in the PJI risk was noted at any time point for patients who received CSI>1 month before RSA (all P≥.088). Furthermore, alcohol abuse, chronic kidney disease, and depression were identified as riskfactorsthat increased the risk of PJI. Intra-articular shoulder CSIs <4 weeks prior to RSA are associated with increased risks of PJI at 90 days and 1 year postoperatively as compared with patients who did not receive CSIs. RSA should be deferred ≥4 weeks after a patient receives a CSI.

Effect of Repetitive Corticosteroid Injection on Tennis Elbow Surgery

Background: Lateral epicondylitis is a chronic tendinopathy of humeral origin of the common extensor tendon. Most patients show improvement after nonoperative treatment. However, 4% to 11% of patients require surgical treatment. Although corticosteroid injection is one of the most commonly applied nonoperative treatment methods, to the authors’ knowledge, no study has reported the effect of the number of preoperative corticosteroid injections on the final postoperative outcome. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the effect of the number of preoperative corticosteroid injections on postoperative clinical outcomes. Hypothesis: The number of corticosteroid injections before surgical treatment does not affect postoperative clinical outcomes. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: As a retrospective review, from January 2007 to December 2019, a total of 99 patients who had undergone surgical treatment of lateral epicondylitis with a modified Nirschl technique were enrolled. The number of preoperative corticosteroid injections was investigated by medical record review. Outcome measurements included visual analog pain scale; Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score; Mayo Elbow Performance Score; and the Nirschl and Pettrone grade. Grip power and wrist extension power were measured using a digital dynamometer. Results: A total of 99 patients were included in this study. The mean total number of injections of patients was 4.37 ± 2.46 times (range, 1-15 times). Total duration of nonoperative treatment before surgery was 25.4 ± 20.5 months (range, 4-124.8 months). The mean postoperative follow-up period was 42.8 ± 28.0 months (range, 12-110 months). For all injection numbers, clinical scores showed significant improvement in visual analog pain scale, DASH score, Mayo elbow score, grip power, and wrist extension power after surgery. Regression analysis showed that the degree of improvement according to the injection number was not statistically significant. The Nirschl and Pettrone grade was excellent in 82 (82.8%) patients, good in 14 (14.1%) patients, fair in 2 (2%) patient, and failure in 1 (1%) patient. Conclusion: The number of preoperative corticosteroid injections does not appear to affect postoperative clinical outcomes of patients with lateral epicondylitis who undergo surgery with a modified Nirschl technique.

Pre-operative corticosteroid injection within 1 month of total shoulder arthroplasty is associated with increased risk of periprosthetic joint infection.

Corticosteroid injections (CSI) may increase the risk of peri-prosthetic infections (PJI) following total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). Our study specifically assessed the risk of PJI in patients who received CSI: (1) less than 4 weeks prior to TSA; (2) 4-8 weeks prior to TSA; and (3) 8-12 weeks prior to TSA. A national all-payer database was queried to identify patients who underwent TSA with a shoulder osteoarthritis diagnosis from October 1, 2015 to October 31, 2020 (n = 25,422). There were four cohorts: CSI within 4 weeks of TSA (n = 214), CSI 4-8 weeks prior to TSA (n = 473), CSI 8-12weeks prior to TSA (n = 604), and a control cohort that did not receive CSI (n = 15,486). Bivariate chi-square analyses of outcomes were performed in addition to multivariate regression. A significant increase in PJI risk at 1 year (Odds Ratio [OR] = 2.29, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] = 1.19-3.99, p = 0.007) and 2 years (OR = 2.03, CI = 1.09-3.46, p = 0.016) in patients who received CSI within 1 month of TSA was noted. PJI risk was not significantly increased at any time point for patients who received a CSI greater than 4 weeks prior to TSA (all p ≥ 0.396). PJI risk is increased at both 1 and 2 years post-operatively in patients who received a CSI within 4 weeks of TSA. Therefore, TSA should be deferred at least 4 weeks after a patient receives a CSI to mitigate PJI risk. Level III.

Preoperative Corticosteroid Injections Are Not Associated with Deep Infection after Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty.

Prior to unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA), corticosteroid injections (CSI) are a common nonoperative treatment for arthritis. It is unclear whether CSI prior to UKA impacts the likelihood of postoperative infection. This study sought to determine if there is a time- and/or dose-dependent relationship between preoperative CSI and postoperative infection. An administrative claims database was queried for patients undergoing UKA with more than 1 year of pre-enrollment and follow-up. Of 31,676 patients with a UKA who met enrollment criteria, 8,628 patients had a CSI 0 to 3 months prior to surgery, 111 had a CSI 3 to 12 months prior to surgery, and 22,937 never received an injection. Overall, 246 postoperative deep infections were reported (0.8%). Time-dependent and dose-dependent relationships were modeled using multivariable logistic regressions. Postoperative deep infections occurred in 64 patients with CSI 0 to 3 months prior to surgery (0.7%), compared with 0 patients with CSI 3 to 12 months before surgery (0.0%) and 182 controls (0.8%, p = 0.58). CSI within 1 month prior to UKA was not statistically associated with postoperative infection (p = 0.66). Two or more CSI within 3 months prior to UKA were associated with a twofold elevated odds of infection, compared with receiving a single injection (odds ratio [OR]: 2.08, p = 0.03). Univariable predictors of infection included younger age, increasing Charlson Comorbidity Index, smoking, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, liver disease, and obesity. Multivariable analysis controlling for these characteristics elicited no relationship between recent CSI administration and postoperative infection. CSI within 3 months of surgery (1.5%) or 3 to 12 months (1.8%) were associated with increased conversion to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) compared with those who did not receive an injection (1.1%, p = 0.01), although TKA for indication of periprosthetic joint infection was not statistically different (p = 0.72). Preoperative CSI within 3 months of UKA is not associated with postoperative infection, although significant medical comorbidity does show an association. Preoperative CSI is associated with increased conversion from UKA to TKA for noninfectious indications.

Functional and Structural Outcomes After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair With or Without Preoperative Corticosteroid Injections

Background: Corticosteroid injections (CSIs) are effective in alleviating pain in patients with rotator cuff tears, but controversy still exists regarding their potential adverse effects on clinical outcomes after rotator cuff repair. Purpose: To compare both the functional and the structural outcomes in patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with or without preoperative CSIs. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was carried out among patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair for partial- and full-thickness tears between 2015 and 2019. The patients who received preoperative CSIs were included in the CSI group and compared with a group without preoperative CSIs (non-CSI group), matched at a ratio of 1:2 based on tear size, age, and follow-up time. Both functional evaluation and structural assessments using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed at the final follow-up. Clinical outcomes—including retear rate as the primary outcome; pain; functional scores including the Constant-Murley score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, and Fudan University Shoulder Score; range of motion (ROM); tendon integrity; tendon healing type; and cartilage thickness—were compared between the 2 groups with a statistical significance of P < .05 and power of 0.9. Results: Thirty-one patients were included in the CSI group, and 62 were included in the non-CSI group. After a mean 3-year follow-up, the 2 groups demonstrated no significant differences in retear rate; visual analog scale for pain; shoulder functional scores; and active ROM including forward flexion, abduction, external rotation, and internal rotation. No significant differences were observed on postoperative MRI scans of the rotator cuff tendon (tendon integrity, healing type, residual tendon attachment area, etc), cartilage thickness, and muscle atrophy. Conclusion: No significant differences were found at a mean 3-year follow-up in the retear rates, pain, ROM, and glenohumeral structure on postoperative MRI scans after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with or without preoperative CSIs.

Risk Factors and Corresponding Management for Suture Anchor Pullout during Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair.

Due to the aging of the population, the incidence of rotator cuff tears is growing. For rotator cuff repair, arthroscopic suture-anchor repair has gradually replaced open transosseous repair, so suture anchors are now considered increasingly important in rotator cuff tear reconstruction. There are some but limited studies of suture anchor pullout after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. However, there is no body of knowledge in this area, which makes it difficult for clinicians to predict the risk of anchor pullout comprehensively and manage it accordingly. The literature search included rotator cuff repair as well as anchor pullout strength. A review of the literature was performed including all articles published in PubMed until September 2021. Articles of all in vitro biomechanical and clinical trial levels in English were included. After assessing all abstracts (n = 275), the full text and the bibliographies of the relevant articles were analyzed for the questions posed (n = 80). Articles including outcomes without the area of interest were excluded (n = 22). The final literature research revealed 58 relevant articles. Narrative synthesis was undertaken to bring together the findings from studies included in this review. Based on the presented studies, the overall incidence of anchor pullout is not low, and the incidence of intraoperative anchor pullout is slightly higher than in the early postoperative period. The risk factors for anchor pullout are mainly related to bone quality, insertion depth, insertion angle, size of rotator cuff tear, preoperative corticosteroid injections, anchor design, the materials used to produce anchors, etc. In response to the above issues, we have introduced and evaluated management techniques. They include changing the implant site of anchors, cement augmentation for suture anchors, increasing the number of suture limbs, using all-suture anchors, using an arthroscopic transosseous knotless anchor, the Buddy anchor technique, Steinmann pin anchoring, and transosseous suture repair technology. However, not many of the management techniques have been widely used in clinical practice. Most of them come from in vitro biomechanical studies, so in vivo randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes are needed to see if they can help patients in the long run.

Pre-Operative Corticosteroid Injections And Rate Of Re-Ruptures And Infections In Primary Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine if the re-rupture rate and post-operative infections differed among patients who received a corticosteroid injection (CSI) and those who did not prior to primary arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR). METHODS: Patients who underwent primary RCR by a single surgeon (1999-2020) were included. Demographics included age at the time of surgery, BMI, comorbidities, and the administration of pre-operative CSIs. Tear thickness, size, and RCR integrity were evaluated pre-and post-operatively, by ultrasound or MRI. Infection was identified through clinical diagnosis and post-operative lab work. RESULTS: 154 shoulders underwent primary arthroscopic RCR and were included. 92 patients were in the no injection group including 66 males and 26 females (age 60.7 ± 13.1 years, BMI 27.3 ± 4.8), and 62 patients were in the injection group including 38 males and 24 females (age 58.1 ± 12.3 years, BMI 27.7 ± 4.9). There were no differences in demographics between groups aside from a greater proportion of males in the no injection group (P < 0.001). There were 22 (23.9%) partial and 70 (76.1%) full thickness tears in the no injection group and 18 (29.0%) partial and 4 (71.0%) full thickness tears in the injection group (P > 0.05). Of the full thickness tears in the no injection group, there were 9 (12.9%) small (<1 cm), 12 (17.1%) medium (1-3 cm), 26 (37.1%) large (3-5 cm), and 23 (32.9%) massive tears (>5 cm). Of the full thickness tears in the injection group, there were 7 (15.9%) small, 7 (15.9%) medium, 19 (43.2%) large, and 11 (25.0%) massive tears. There were no differences in primary tear characteristics. No postoperative infections were reported. The average time from pre-operative CSI to surgery was 9.6 ± 22.3 months in the injection group. There were 16 re-ruptures in the no injection group (17.4%) and 11 in the injection group (17.7%) (P > 0.05). The average time to failure was 2.0 ± 3.0 years in the no injection group and 4.6 ± 4.7 years in the injection group (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Preoperative CSI did not lead to infections or increased risk of re-rupture following arthroscopic primary RCR in our cohort suggesting this is a viable treatment option in the management of rotator cuff tears without compromising postoperative outcomes.

Does the Number of Preoperative Corticosteroid Injections Affect Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes of Trapeziectomy and Suspensionplasty?

This study aimed to determine whether an increasing number of preoperative corticosteroid injections is associated with greater radiographic subsidence of the thumb metacarpal at long-term follow-up after abductor pollicis longus suspensionplasty, secondary to steroid-induced pathologic weakening of capsuloligamentous restraints surrounding the thumb carpometacarpophalangeal joint and greater extension of the lunate, but neither affect patient-reported outcomes nor revision rates. A retrospective chart review was performed of patients who underwent primary trapeziectomy and abductor pollicis longus suspensionplasty by a single surgeon over a 10-year period. The number of preoperative corticosteroid injections in the trapeziometacarpal joint was documented, and patients were separated into 4 subgroups: 0, 1, 2, or 3 or more injections. Preoperative and final radiographs were evaluated for a change in the distance between the base of the thumb metacarpal and the distal pole of the scaphoid as a measure of thumb metacarpal subsidence and radiolunate angle as a measure of nondissociative carpal instability, which has been reported as a complication after basal joint arthroplasty. Additionally, the final patient-reported outcomes (Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation) and revision rates were also assessed. Of a total of 60 patients with an average age of 64 years that were included in the study, 16 (26.7%) received 0, 19 (31.7%) received 1, 12 (20%) received 2, and 13 (21.7%) received 3+ preoperative injections. The median postoperative follow-up was 92 months. The mean distance between the base of the thumb metacarpal and the distal pole of the scaphoid decreased by 2 mm, and the mean radiolunate angle increased by 4° across the entire cohort. When comparing subgroups, no differences were observed in either parameter or the final Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores. This study demonstrates no apparent detrimental effect of an increased number of preoperative corticosteroid injections on radiographic thumb metacarpal subsidence, increase in extension of radiolunate angle (nondissociative carpal instability), patient-reported outcomes, or revision rates at an average of almost 8 years after trapeziectomy and abductor pollicis longus suspensionplasty. Therapeutic IV.

Risk analysis of periprosthetic knee joint infection (PJI) in total knee arthroplasty after preoperative corticosteroid injection: a systematic review : A study performedby the Early-Osteoarthritis group of ESSKA-European Knee Associates section.

Intra-articular corticosteroid injection is widely used for symptomatic relief of knee osteoarthritis. However, if pain is not improved which consequences a total knee arthroplasty (TKA), there is a potential risk of post-operative periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). The aim of this study is to investigate whether the use of preoperative intra-articular corticosteroid injection increases the risk of PJI and to investigate a time frame in which the risk of subsequent infection is significantly increased. A systematic search was performed in PubMed (Medline), Scopus, and the Cochrane Library. Inclusion criteria were original studies investigating the rate of PJI in patients receiving pre-operative intra-articular corticosteroid injection compared to controls. A total of 380 unique articles were screened. Six studies met the inclusion criteria with 255,627 patients in total. Overall, no statistical significance was observed in the intra-articular infection rate in corticosteroid compared to controls groups. However, intra-articular corticosteroid injections within 3months prior to TKA were associated with a significantly increased risk of infection (OR: 1.52, 95% CI 1.37-1.67, p < 0.01); this was not observed in the 6month period (OR: 1.05, 95% CI 0.80-1.39, p = 0.72). Performing an intra-articular corticosteroid injection within 3months prior to TKA is associated with a significantly increased risk of PJI. The current evidence supports the safe use of intra-articular corticosteroid injection more than 6months before TKA. However, additional studies are needed to clarify the risk of PJI after TKA implantation between 3 and 6months after the last corticoid injection. IV.

Corticosteroid injections 2months before arthroscopic meniscectomy increases the rate of postoperative infections requiring surgical irrigation and debridement.

Consensus guidelines recommend administering a corticosteroid injection (CSI) for patients with a symptomatic degenerative meniscus lesion prior to arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM). A recent study found that CSI administered within 1month prior to meniscectomy is associated with an increased risk of postoperative infection. However, infections may range in severity from superficial infections to serious infections requiring surgical interventions. The aim of this analysis was to define the rate of infections requiring surgery after APM and determine its relationship to preoperative CSI. The PearlDiver Mariner administrative claims database was queried for patients > 35years old who had a CSI in the year prior to isolated APM. Rates of deep infection and infection requiring surgery within 6months were reported between matched patients with a CSI and no injection. After matching, there were 16,009 patients per group with a mean age of 59.4years (SD = 9.6), 53.5% obesity, and 40% male. Forty-four of 113 patients who developed a postoperative deep infection went on to have a reoperation for irrigation and/or debridement (0.1% of all APM). Of these 44 patients, 30 had a preoperative CSI and 14 were controls unadjusted odds ratio (unadj-OR) if given CSI = 1.95, 95% CI 1.03-3.68, P = 0.04). Having a CSI within the month before surgery conferred a 4.56-fold increase in odds of an infection warranting surgery (95% CI 1.96-10.21, P < 0.01), whilst having a CSI 4-8weeks before surgery conferred a 2.42-fold increase in odds (95% CI 1.04-5.42, P = 0.03). Receiving multiple CSI in the year prior to APM was associated with 5.27-fold increased odds of an infection requiring surgery (95% CI 1.19-23.27, P = 0.03), compared to having a single CSI. Serious infections requiring a surgical intervention are rare after a meniscectomy, occurring in 0.1% of APMs in a matched cohort of patients over 35. Patients were five times more likely to return to the operating room for infection after APM if they had a CSI in the month before or had multiple CSIs in the year before surgery. The risk of infection was no longer significant if there was at least a 2-month interval between preoperative CSI and APM. Level III.

Retrospective Analysis of Patients Undergoing Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair at a Single Institution Yields a 0.11% Postoperative Infection Rate

PurposeTo establish an infection rate following primary arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) from a single institutional database and to ascertain whether there is a relationship between the use of preoperative corticosteroid injection (CSI) and the risk of postoperative infection.MethodsAll medical records at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed to identify patients who had undergone arthroscopic repair from January 2016 to December 2018. Patient charts were reviewed for CSI treatment within 6 months of surgery, superficial or deep infection within 2 months postoperatively, and specific treatment of the infection. Patient characteristics were summarized by descriptive statistics using means with standard deviations for continuous variables and frequencies with percentages for categorical variables. A χ2 correlation analysis was performed to determine the association between receiving an injection and having an infection.ResultsA total of 1773 patients were included for analysis with an average age of 59.24 ± 9.4 years. The overall infection rate was 0.11% (2/1773 patients). Both patients were treated with oral antibiotics. Of the included patients, 616 had a preoperative CSI within 6 months of their surgery, and 102 injections were administered within 1 month of surgery. None of these patients had a postoperative infection. A χ2 correlation analysis showed a negligible relationship between preoperative injections and postoperative infection (φ = 0.02, χ2 = 0.84).ConclusionsThrough this single-institution, large cohort retrospective review, we found an overall 0.11% rate of postoperative infection following primary arthroscopic RCR. In addition, we found no correlation between the use of preoperative CSI ahead of elective ARCR at any time point and risk of developing a postoperative infection. Infection is uncommon following ARCR, and preoperative steroid injection did not increase infection risk in our study population.Level of EvidenceLevel IV, therapeutic case series.