You should generally wait at least 3 to 6 months after a cortisone shot before meniscus surgery, with many surgeons recommending at least 4 weeks to a full 6 months, to significantly lower the risk of post-surgical infection, as cortisone can impair healing and increase infection risk in the short term, though some research suggests the highest risk is within the first month, with risk decreasing significantly after 4 weeks. Always consult your orthopedic surgeon for personalized advice, as they consider your specific injury and health.
Injections 1 month before arthroscopic meniscectomy significantly increase the risk of surgical-site infection. However, injections can be safely administered more than 1 month prior to surgery because there is no increased risk of postoperative infection at this time point.
The authors found an increased risk of surgical site infections in patients who underwent corticosteroid injections the 4 weeks before surgery. These data are difficult to be compared with the results of Forsythe study, due to the different joint and post-operative use of corticosteroid (10).
If a cortisone shot is working for the patient, it can last at least 3 to 6 months, and sometimes longer. If it doesn't last that long, there might be other underlying issues present that might need other treatments, or even more advanced treatments, such as surgical procedures.
Another possibility is that inflammation is not actually the source of your discomfort. Cortisone's role is to reduce inflammation, but if your pain is caused by something else—such as structural joint damage, nerve irritation, or advanced tissue degeneration—the shot will not provide the relief you were hoping for.
Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM) is the most frequently performed surgical procedure for the treatment of meniscal tears (Fig. 2).
For knee arthroscopy, there is a higher risk of infection in patients who had a corticosteroid injection within 2 and 4 weeks from surgery but no increased risk when 6 weeks were allowed in between injection and arthroscopy.
In some cases, knee pain relief can be achieved without surgical intervention. Sometimes, knee injuries or pain are effectively addressed with bracing, medication, and lifestyle changes. For those with arthritis, physical therapy or steroid shots may help relieve symptoms.
According to orthopaedic consultants, it is recommended to wait for 3 to 6 months between a corticosteroid injection and surgery to avoid the risk of infection. However, time frames may vary depending on the surgeon.
Rest: Keep your weight off your injured knee as much as possible. Ice: Place an ice pack on your knee for about 20 minutes, several times a day. Compression: Wrap your knee with a compression bandage to help reduce swelling. Elevation: Rest with your leg raised higher than your heart to decrease swelling.
Although corticosteroids injected directly into the knee do not heal a meniscus tear, they may reduce swelling and discomfort. Some people may experience long-lasting relief. Your doctor may inject a small amount of anesthetic into the knee along with corticosteroids.
You can bend your other leg, if that feels more comfortable. Tighten the thigh muscles in your affected leg by pressing the back of your knee down. Hold your knee straight. Keeping the thigh muscles tight and your leg straight, lift your affected leg up so that your heel is about 12 inches off the floor.
Minor tears, although uncomfortable, can be treated naturally at home or through physical therapy. Severe tears should not go untreated as they can create deeper issues later and require special attention to avoid further damage.
How is a meniscus tear treated? If your MRI indicates a Grade 1 or 2 tear, but your symptoms and physical exam are inconsistent with a tear, surgery may not be needed. Grade 3 meniscus tears usually require surgery, which may include: Arthroscopic repair — An arthroscope is inserted into the knee to see the tear.
“As a result, factors including the condition treated, the joint affected, and the patient's overall health will have an impact on the effectiveness of the injection. Generally, a cortisone shot can suppress pain for anywhere from six weeks to six months.” Cortisone provides pain relief by reducing inflammation.
Knee Strengthening Exercises for Meniscal Tears
nSTRIDE® is the only single-injection therapy where the benefits are sustained for up to 3 years.