FAQ

It is likely that the consultant will be injecting a steroid along with a local anaesthetic. Joint injections are usually performed using one of two steroids either Methylprednisolone (Depo-Medrone is trade name) or Triamcinolone (Kenalog is trade name).

This is simple, the most common procedure codes are available on this website but if you are in any doubt my secretary would be happy to confirm which procedure is planned and the appropriate procedure code.

Yes of course you can. In this case the consultant will invoice you directly rather than through an insurance company. There would be separate charges for consultations, investigations such as blood test, ultrasound, X-ray or MRI and for procedures such as joint injections. A full estimate would be available on request from my secretary before any consultation.

Yes. I believe in maintaining good communication with my patients, after all it is your health. All the letters and results sent to your GP will be copied to you either via post or secure email. In this way you will be better informed to make decisions about your own health. This service has been popular with patients but can be cancelled if you wish by contacting my secretary.

If you receive a joint injection there will usually be a charge applied by the consultant to perform the injection. The hospital apply a further charge to cover the costs of the drugs, equipment and nursing support to perform the joint injection and this is standard practice.

Yes it is fine to inject any joint however we would never inject steroid directly into the replacement joint.

Most surgeons would recommend that a joint is not injected with steroid less than 6 months before the joint would be replaced.

Most joint injections work reasonably quickly (carpal tunnel and plantar fascial injections may take longer). If you are going to respond you will usually respond within the first 48 hours however in some people they may require up to a week to respond fully.

It is recommended that patients should rest a joint after it has been injected for 48 hours . This rest would usually limit a patients ability to drive safely and it is recommended that patients attend for joint injection with a friend or family member.

No . Joint injections are usually performed under local anaesthetic and should not be much more painful than having blood samples taken.

No. There is no limit to the number of joint injections that you can have. However if you have no benefit from a joint injection or the benefit does not last for at least 3 months it may not be worth repeating the injection.
Some insurance companies may limit to number of joint injections you may have and this will depend on your insurance policy (please contact your insurance company for clarification)