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Steroid Injection and Replacmeent Shoulder

Home Blog Steroid Injection and Replacmeent Shoulder
Steroid Injection and Replacmeent Shoulder
Prof. Bijay Singh May 12, 2026 Shoulder

Steroid Injection and Replacmeent Shoulder

Shoulder Replacement & Steroid Injections
Are you at Risk?

I regularly review newly published, high-quality medical research and share patient-focused summaries explaining what the evidence means in everyday practice. These updates are intended to support informed discussions and shared decision-making, while recognising that treatment should always be tailored to the individual.

At the heart of my practice is Shared Decision-Making. Whether we pursue conservative management (Plan A) or surgical intervention (Plan B), the goal is to create a tailored treatment plan that aligns with your lifestyle, values, and functional goals.

Prepared by:

Prof. Bijay Singh

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon - Upper Limb, Trauma & Sports Injury

Shoulder | Elbow | Wrist | Hand

Visiting Professor Canterbury Christchurch University & AIIMS Raipur

Private Practice Manager

Kim White

Phone: 07361895875

Email: kim.white@kims.org.uk

NHS Appointments:

Spire Alexandra Hospital: 01634 – 687166

Medway NHS Trust: 01634 – 976749

Spire Alexandra Hospital
 
Medway NHS Trust

Why is this important?

If you have a painful, arthritic shoulder, a corticosteroid injection is often the first thing you and your doctor try to keep you moving. But if those shots stop working and you decide to have a shoulder replacement, a common fear arises: “Did that injection just ruin my chances of a good surgical outcome?”

A fresh study from June 2024 published in the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery has some very reassuring news for patients.

What did the study look at?

  • 230 patients undergoing shoulder replacement
  • Both anatomic and reverse shoulder replacements
  • 134 patients had an injection within 12 months before surgery
  • 96 patients had no injection
  • Minimum follow-up: 2 years

The Results Were Surprising:

  • Better Function:Patients who received an injection actually had higher functional scores (using the ASES and SANE scales) two years after their surgery compared to those who didn't have one.
  • No Compromise:Having a shot did not negatively impact the long-term success of the new joint.
  • The Infection Myth:While infection is always a concern, this study found no statistically significant difference in infection rates between the two groups. In fact, infection rates remained very low (less than 2%) for both.

Professor Singh’s Commentary:

While the study shows that injections are safe, timing is everything. Clinical experts, including Prof. Singh, emphasize a "Safety Window." To minimize any potential risk of infection and allow the body's immune system to be at its strongest, it is advised to wait at least 3 months between your last steroid injection and your scheduled replacement surgery. The study is reassuring showing similar outcomes between groups and low infection rates.

Key message

Steroid injections do not appear to worsen shoulder replacement outcomes. Infection rates remain low, especially when surgery is delayed for at least three months after an injection.

Reference

Cooper HJ et al. Judicious use of corticosteroid injections prior to shoulder arthroplasty does not compromise outcomes at a minimum of 2 years following surgery. JSES, 2024.

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