Joint injections

Dr Alan Shortt

53

Reducing the risk of infection
(septic arthritis risk approx 1 in 40,000)
Never inject an infected joint.
Avoiding injecting through infected skin or psoriatic plaques.
Avoid injecting adjacent to infected skin/skin ulcers.
Avoid injecting patient on concurrent oral steroids.
Mediswabs or iodine should be used with a no touch or aseptic technique.

Reducing the risk of bleeding
If injecting weight bearing joints advise rest for 24 hours post injection.
Don’t inject patients on warfarin

Reducing the risk of tendon rupture
Don’t inject near the Achilles tendon.
Don’t inject into tendons.

Patient information leaflets and consent forms