“Do I continue steroid injections before my knee replacement?”
I get steroid injections once a month for trigger points in my neck. I need a knee replacement soon. Will the trigger point injections cause a delay in the knee surgery?
Male | 78 years old
8 Answers
You need to check with your surgeon regarding steroid injections.
I will check with the surgeon who is performing your knee replacement. Typically trigger point injections into a different body part a week or two prior to a knee replacement should not be an issue. Once again would confirm with the surgeon doing a knee replacement. If you have diabetes that is poorly controlled that might be a con sounding factor.
Not in my hands, but it depends on your doc.
That is a great question.
I would ask your replacement surgeon. However, if you are having muscle trigger point injections. The steroid can temporary elevate your blood sugar which can increase your risk of infection. As orthopedic surgeons putting metal in a joint infection is one of our biggest concerns. I would forego the trigger point injections and try a different medicine based treatment the month before. That would be my general recommendation, though you operating surgeon may be more comfortable knowing more about your medical history.
Thank you,
Robert D. Swift, DO, FAOAO
I would ask your replacement surgeon. However, if you are having muscle trigger point injections. The steroid can temporary elevate your blood sugar which can increase your risk of infection. As orthopedic surgeons putting metal in a joint infection is one of our biggest concerns. I would forego the trigger point injections and try a different medicine based treatment the month before. That would be my general recommendation, though you operating surgeon may be more comfortable knowing more about your medical history.
Thank you,
Robert D. Swift, DO, FAOAO
Do your best to discuss this topic in depth with your Orthopaedic surgeon who is taking on your joint arthroplasty case. Safe to avoid any knee injections months before surgery. Always consider the possibility of infection since the injection enters the synovial space. Caution is the key.
It is highly recommended 90 days between steroid injection and surgery like knee or hip replacement.
Discuss with Surgeon.
I would recommend no steroids in your body for at least 2 weeks prior to surgery. You can have trigger point injections done without steroids and sometimes these are very helpful as well.
Good luck with the surgery.
Good luck with the surgery.
