Is It Safe For An Elderly Patient To Get A Cortisone Shot Near A Hip Replacement To Treat Bursitis?

Hi, It can be done, but a cortisone injection near a hip replacement must be performed with great caution and only by a very experienced orthopedic doctor. The main concern people caution you about is the very small risk of introducing infection around the artificial joint. An infection in a replaced joint is serious and sometimes requires more surgery, which is precisely what you re concerned about. On the other hand, trochanteric bursitis, which is the common cause of pain after hip replacement, is usually outside the joint and not directly involving the implant. Many elderly patients do receive a cortisone shot in that area safely when the doctor uses strict sterile technique and ultrasound guidance. The real question is not safe or unsafe in general terms, it depends on: 1. Whether the pain is indeed from bursitis and not from the joint itself. This should be confirmed by examination with your surgeon or orthopedic specialist. 2. Whether the injection is being performed by someone who routinely does injections around replaced joints The risk in those hands is low but never zero. My honest opinion: At 92, the safest approach is to be very cautious. If your orthopedic surgeon (not just general staff) has examined you and says the bursitis is clear-cut and the injection is appropriate, then it is usually considered acceptable. If the exact cause of the pain is ambiguous, avoid injecting near a prosthetic joint. Ask the orthopedist to re-evaluate you. Sometimes physical therapy, simple pain medicines, or adjusting activity can help without taking injection risks. I would strongly recommend a direct visit with an orthopedic surgeon you trust before you let anyone proceed. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. If you have any further query I will be happy to help. Wish you good health. Regards, Dr. Usaid Yousuf General and Family Physician