Are Preoperative Corticosteroid Injections in Large or Intermediate Joints Associated with Surgical Site Infection After Soft Tissue Hand Surgery? A Retrospective Database Analysis.

Purpose: In this study, we asked the following question: Is intra-articular corticosteroid injection at a distant site prior to hand surgery associated with an increased risk of (1) surgical site infection, (2) reoperation for infection, or (3) wound dehiscence?

Methods: Using a national administrative claims database, we identified adult patients undergoing carpal tunnel, trigger finger, or DeQuervain release. Patients were divided into four cohorts: intra-articular corticosteroid injection between 0 and 30, 31 and 60, or 61 and 90 days before surgery or no injection within 90 days prior to surgery. Large and intermediate joints were considered. We measured surgical site infection incidence, reoperation, and wound dehiscence within 90 days after surgery. We created multivariable logistic regression models to evaluate the association between preoperative corticosteroid injection and each outcome, adjusting for age, sex, region, insurance plan, Elixhauser comorbidities, and history of tobacco use.

Results: Receiving a large-joint corticosteroid injection between 0 and 30, 31 and 60, or 61 and 90 days before surgery was not associated with surgical site infection or reoperation. Receiving a large-joint corticosteroid injection between 0 and 30 days before surgery was associated with a slightly higher incidence of wound dehiscence compared to no injection (0.5% vs 0.4%). Receiving an intermediate-joint corticosteroid injection between 0 and 30, 31 and 60, or 61 and 90 days before surgery was not associated with the incidence of surgical site infection, reoperation, or wound dehiscence. In patients with diabetes, receiving a corticosteroid injection within 90 days before surgery in a large or intermediate joint was not associated with an increased risk of surgical site infection, reoperation, or wound dehiscence.

Conclusions: Corticosteroid injections into large- and intermediate-sized joints can be safely administered before hand surgery from a surgical site infection perspective, including in patients with diabetes.

Type of study/level of evidence: Prognosis II.