Weight bearing following intra-articular steroid injection of the knee: Survey of current practice and review of the available evidence

C. Charalambous, C. Paschalides, S. Sadiq, M. Tryfonides, P. Hirst, A. S. Paul

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Introduction: Intra-articular steroid therapy is one of the most common clinical procedures performed by rheumatologists. There is wide variation in the postoperative instructions given to patients following such injections. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine what advice is given with regards to non-weight-bearing following steroid injections of the knee by rheumatologists, orthopaedic surgeons, and general practitioners (GPs). Method: A questionnaire examining advice on non-weight-bearing following knee steroid injections was posted to 100 rheumatologists, 100 orthopaedic surgeons, and 50 GPs. Results: A significant proportion of respondents advised patients to avoid weight bearing after injection (42.4%). Most of these advised patients to do so for one (16.3%) or two (25.1%) days. As compared to 57.1% of general practitioners and 2.8% of orthopaedic surgeons, 70.7% of rheumatologists advised patients to avoid weight bearing (P<0.05). Conclusion: A significant proportion of rheumatologists and general practitioners performing steroid injections of the knee advise patients not to weight-bear postinjection. Examination of the available literature fails to reveal strong evidence to support such a practice, which has potentially significant implications with regards to loss of working days, costs of mobility aids, and patient inconvenience.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)185-187
Number of pages3
JournalRheumatology International
Volume22
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2002

Keywords

  • Knee
  • Steroid
  • Survey
  • Weight bearing

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Weight bearing following intra-articular steroid injection of the knee: Survey of current practice and review of the available evidence'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this