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Risks
By Mayo Clinic staffCortisone shots carry a risk of complications, such as:
- Death of nearby bone (osteonecrosis)
- Joint infection
- Nerve damage
- Skin thinning around injection site
- Temporary flare of pain and inflammation in the joint
- Tendon weakening or rupture
- Thinning of nearby bone (osteoporosis)
- Whitening or lightening of the skin around injection site
Limits on the number of cortisone shots
There's some concern that repeated use of cortisone shots may cause deterioration of the cartilage within a joint. For this reason, doctors typically limit the number of cortisone shots in a joint. The limit varies depending on the joint and the reason for treatment. In general, people with osteoarthritis or other noninflammatory conditions may be limited to four cortisone shots per joint. People with rheumatoid arthritis may be limited to one cortisone shot per joint per month.
- Joint injection/aspiration. American College of Rheumatology. http://www.rheumatology.org/public/factsheet/jointinjection.asp?aud=pat. Accessed Sept. 23, 2008.
- Wise C. Arthrocentesis and injections of joints and soft tissues. In: Harris ED, et al. Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier Saunders; 2005. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/105473152-4/0/1257/0.html. Accessed Sept. 23, 2008.
- Roberts WN. Joint aspiration or injection in adults: Technique and indications. http://www.uptodate.com. Accessed Sept. 24, 2008.
- Roberts WN. Intraarticular and soft tissue injection: What agent(s) to inject and how frequently? http://www.uptodate.com. Accessed Sept. 24, 2008.
- Roberts WN, et al. Joint aspiration or injection in adults: Complications. http://www.uptodate.com. Accessed Sept. 24, 2008.
- Anderson CF (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Oct. 13, 2008.
