In Episode 51 of the Total Knee Success podcast, Michelle explains how cortisone injections work before total knee replacement. She discusses how corticosteroids reduce inflammation, what relief to realistically expect, timing considerations before surgery, and how to determine whether a cortisone injection aligns with your overall surgical plan.

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Medical Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content is not intended to replace individualized medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your surgeon, physical therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider regarding your specific condition, surgical decisions, and rehabilitation plan.

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Evidence-Based Content Statement: All information presented in this episode is grounded in peer-reviewed research, published clinical guidelines, and current best practices in orthopedic surgery and rehabilitation.

Music Licensing Statement: Intro and outro music for the Total Knee Success Podcast is licensed for commercial use. Editing and production for this episode were completed using Descript.

References

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Management of osteoarthritis of the knee (non‑arthroplasty) evidence‑based clinical practice guideline. Published August 31, 2021.

Orange GM, Hince DA, Jones M, et al. Physical function following total knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis: A longitudinal systematic review with meta‑analysis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2025;55(1):1‑15.

Ibad HA, Kasaeian A, Ghotbi E, et al. Longitudinal MRI‑defined cartilage loss and radiographic joint space narrowing following intra‑articular corticosteroid injection for knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta‑analysis. Osteoarthr Imaging. 2023;3(3):100157.

Bharadwaj UU, Lynch JA, Joseph GB, et al. Intra‑articular knee injections and progression of knee osteoarthritis: data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative. Radiology. 2025;315(2):e233081.

Werner BC, Cancienne JM, Browne JA. The timing of total knee arthroplasty after intra-articular corticosteroid injection affects postoperative infection risk. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2016;98(6):438-443.

Bedard NA, Pugely AJ, Westermann RW, Duchman KR, Glass NA, Callaghan JJ. Does the timing of previous intra-articular steroid injection affect the post-operative rate of infection in total knee arthroplasty? J Arthroplasty. 2017;32(1):382-387.

McAlindon TE, Bannuru RR, Sullivan MC, et al. OARSI guidelines for the non-surgical management of knee osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2014;22(3):363-388.

McAlindon TE, LaValley MP, Harvey WF, et al. Effect of intra‑articular triamcinolone vs saline on knee cartilage volume and pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2017;317(19):1967-1975.

Lai Q, Cai K, Lin T, Zhou C, Chen Z, Zhang Q. Prior intra‑articular corticosteroid injection within 3 months may increase the risk of deep infection following total knee arthroplasty: a meta‑analysis. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2022;480(6):971-979.