Precision Injection Therapy

Most commonly these are given for pain and swelling associated with the soft tissues. In some cases it can support healing. It can be used to inject in or around soft tissues such as tendons, ligaments, cartilage, bursae, nerves and joints.

A full description of risks will be explained and written consent taken prior to any injections. You will be given time and space to give informed consent.

How often these reactions occur is difficult to say. Large Cochrane studies have found that there is a similar number of side effects in placebo and Cortisone injections.

Some of the common risks and side effects are:

1. Temporary Pain: Mild pain or discomfort at the injection site is likely to occur but will usually rapidly resolve over 2 days.
2. Infection: Though rare, there is a small risk of infection at the injection site. This occurs typically after 3 days and will be red, angry, sore and swollen. If you experience any of these issues please let us know ASAP or contact 111. There are also reports that injections may increase the risk injections such as shingles, urinary tract infections and pneumonia (lung infection).
3. Tendon Weakening: Repeated injections close to tendons can occasionally lead to weakening or a tear in the tendon. We limit the number of steroid injections at one site to 2 per year.
4. Advancement of Arthritis: Repeated Cortisone injections into a joint can result in the development and progression of osteoarthritis. We limit the number of steroid injections at one site to 2 per year.
5. Allergic Reaction: In rare cases, some individuals may experience an allergic anaphylactic reaction to the Cortisone. It is important you know what your allergies are. We will have equipment on site to deal with this scenario.
6. Bleeding or Bruising: This is more common in patients who have blood clotting disorders or those taking blood thinning medication. We will explore your medical history and medications during the consultation prior to any injection.
7. Skin Discoloration: Occasionally patients will develop a discolouration of the skin at the injection site. The fat underneath the skin may shrink which can also cause a dimple. These issues generally resolve with time but not always.
8. Altered Diabetic Control: Patients with diabetes should have good control of their diabetes prior to a Cortisone injection. The risk of infection after surgery or injections with poorly controlled diabetes is huge. We will ask for your latest HBA1c (long term diabetic control marker in blood). If you have not had one in the last 6 months we will insist this is taken before proceeding. We will not inject or perform surgery if your HBA1c is over 65.