Abstract
Aims & Objectives: To assess whether the incidence of infection in Primary Total knee Arthroplasty is increased as a result of previous steroid infiltration into the knee joint.
Introduction: Steroid injection into the arthritic joint is a well-known modality of treatment of the arthritic joints. Its efficacy is well documented. Increased incidence of Infection secondary to steroid injection as compared to uninjected joints is reported in recent literature.
Material & Methods: 440 patients underwent Total Knee replacement (PFC SIGMA-Depuy) by senior author during 1997–2005 at Wrightington hospital. 90 patients had intraarticular steroid injection prior to surgery of which 45 patients had injection with in 1 year prior to surgery. All patients had at least one year follow up. Infection rate was assessed by case note, x-rays and microbiology review till last follow up.180 patients of a matched cohort who had total knee replacement without steroid injection were compared for infection rate.
Results: 2 cases of superficial infection were noted in Injection group and 5 cases of superficial infection in Non Injection group. No cases of Deep infection noted in either group. Stastical analysis showed no significant difference in incidence of infection in either group.
Conclusion: Steroids are useful adjuncts in the management of patients with arthritic joints. This study shows no increased incidence of infection in patients given steroid injection prior to arthroplasty.
Correspondence should be addressed to Mr T Wilton, c/o BOA, BASK at the Royal College of Surgeons, 35–43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PE, England.
