Does intra-articular injection of the ankle with corticosteroids increase the risk of subsequent periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) following total ankle arthroplasty (TAA)? If so, how long after a prior intra-articular injection can TAA be safely performed?

Authors: Ilker Uçkay, Christopher Hirose, Mathieu Assal

RECOMMENDATION: Every intra-articular injection of the ankle is an invasive procedure associated with potential healthcare-associated infections, including periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) following TAA. Based on the limited current literature, the ideal timing for elective TAA after corticosteroid injection for the symptomatic native ankle joint is unknown. The consensus workgroup recommends that at least three months pass after corticosteroid injection and prior to performing TAA.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Limited

DELEGATE VOTE: Agree: 92%, Disagree: 8%, Abstain: 0% (Super Majority, Strong Consensus)