How Long Does Tissue Atrophy Last After A Cortisone Injection?

Posted on Thu, 12 Mar 2020

Question: How long does tissue atrophy last after a cortisone injection? I recently had an injection in my tendon sheath of the ECU, now I can see is moving around over my ulna and the tendon looks fat and the ulna looks so skinny. Is this normal? I had an MRI and it showed nothing, not even tendonitis.

Follow up: Dr. Aashish Raghu (0 minute later)

There is no pain

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Answer

Detailed Answer:
Hi there

Thanks for the query

Once Steroid induced fat atrophy sets in, it lasts forever. That is shrinking of the fat tissue.

In your case it could be that the inflammation over the tendon has subsided which is making the tendon appear more XXXXXXX

It's best to wait for upto 6 months for the complete effect of the injection which can take effect from a week onwards.

If there is ECU subluxation then it may require wrist splint and/or surgery.

I hope I have answered your query.

I will be available to answer your follow up queries.

Regards,

Aashish Raghu

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D