Waiting one month after an intra-articular corticosteroid injection for performing a knee, shoulder, and hip arthroscopy could minimize the risk for post-operative infection: platelet rich plasma is an alternative.

An intra-articular corticosteroid is associated with higher risk of joint infection. Identifying the necessary time interval from the injection to the arthroscopic procedure that does not impose an additional risk of infection is critical for the safety of our patients. Increasing evidence suggests that there is a high risk of infection at the first 4 weeks after the injection, but it seems that this risk declines to normal levels after that period. Interestingly, this time interval of 4 weeks is comparable between knee, shoulder, and hip injection and subsequent arthroscopy. A delay of an arthroscopic intervention at any joint for at least 4 weeks is recommended. Finally, platelet rich plasma (PRP) is equally effective as corticosteroids in terms of pain management and anti-inflammatory response, with the advantage of promoting healing. PRP may also be associated with lower risk of postoperative infection in patients undergoing arthroscopy, representing a biologic alternative.