Cortisone Injections
“Doc, can I PLEASE get a cortisone shot?” This is a question we’ve received many times over the years as patients would seek out cortisone injections to help with pain and inflammation. Sometimes these injections would help buy the patient some time and allow them to have decreased pain. However, the literature continues to mount against such injections secondary to chondrotoxicity (damage to the cartilage in our joints) related to the cortisone.
It is still unclear in regard to how many cortisone injections it would take to lead to cartilage loss and there are various types of corticosteroids which are used for such injections, but it is clear that these injections should be used sparingly to prevent the inadvertent acceleration of osteoarthritis.
This is why we continue to promote Orthobiologic procedures such as PRP (platelet rich plasma), bone marrow concentrate injections or micronized fat injections. Such procedures can help with the environment within the joint to potentially promote a healthier environment for the cartilage versus the potential downsides for the cartilage as a result of a cortisone injection. Since these injections contain components of your own body’s blood, bone marrow or fat, there is no chance for a graft-versus-host disease which has been reported on rare occasions for cord blood “stem cell” injections. At 360 Sports, Spine and Wellness we are happy to discuss the pros and cons of a cortisone injection or an Orthobiologic procedure. To responsibly perform these injections we need to set up realistic expectations with our patients regarding the potential outcomes as well as discussing the actual procedure in detail so the patient has a comfort level regarding the procedure well before their scheduled procedure appointment.
This blog provides general information and discussion about medicine, health and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other health care worker. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which the author is affiliated. Accessing, reading or otherwise using the Site does not create a physician-patient relationship between you and the Principal author. Providing personal or medical information to the Principal author does not create a physician-patient relationship between you and the Principal author or authors. Nothing contained in the Site is intended to establish a physician-patient relationship, to replace the services of a trained physician or health care professional, or otherwise to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.