Intra-articular Steroid Injections and COVID19: Balancing the Risks and Rewards

Description

The presentation features Kira Faircloth, a Master's student from Newcastle University, discussing her research on intra-articular steroid injections during the COVID-19 pandemic and associated risks and benefits. Kira explains the background of the study, highlighting that these injections were halted during the first wave of COVID-19 due to concerns about their immunosuppressive effects potentially increasing the risk of infection. The lack of empirical data during this period led to many procedures being canceled, depriving patients of beneficial treatments.



Kira describes the methodology of the study, which adhered to strict preoperative testing and isolation protocols implemented by the Northumbria NHS Trust. This included a PCR test three days before the procedure and isolation of patients before attending the clinic. A total of 167 patients received fluoroscopy-guided foot and ankle steroid injections over a nine-month period, and the results showed that only two patients exhibited COVID-19 symptoms, both subsequently testing negative.



Kira also discusses patient feedback, indicating a high satisfaction rate and significant improvement in pain scores, which implied a positive impact on patients' quality of life. The presentation concludes that with the appropriate safety protocols, there was no increased risk of COVID-19 following these injections, emphasizing the need to continue providing such treatments during future health crises. Kira expresses openness to questions from the audience.

DOI: 10.1302/3114-221519

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