The patello-femoral joint :

How long does the effects of Marcaine last? - - Posted by kakeela (daisey), 11 September 2002

Hi all,  I have read so many horror stories about cortisone injections to the joints.  I have not heard any of you guys mention what they mixed your cortisine with.  I know most people get Lidocaine to numb the injection site.  When I got my injection today I did not receive anything to numb the injection site.  My ortho mixed the celestone with marcaine.  I have not had any pain so far from the injection.  Knee actually feels almost great for a change.  I know marcaine does not last forever and just wondered if anyone has any experience about what to expect when it wears off and I have to face to reality of the cortisone injection.

My ortho said that I needed to be careful with steps and things of that nature for a few days to prevent further injury.  If it helps the right knee,  maybe we will try it on the left.  How many injections are okay before they start causing more damage that good?  I usually opt out on the injection thing,  but am trying every option to prevent more surgery.  

I am new to this whole injections thing and would appreciate any information.

Thanks,

Daisey
Posted by hmaxwell (Heather M.), 11 September 2002

Daisey,

I was advised with my first aspiration that marcaine lasts 8-12 hours.  I had a lot of tenderness that night, but the next day my knee felt fantastic.  I actually had a couple of really good days.  My second aspiration was with lidocaine, which only lasted about an hour--was it the licocaine?  I don't know.  I just know I didn't get long-lasting benefit.  

With my 2 previous cortisone experiences, I found that the good effects lasted 4-6 weeks.  I had pretty serious mechanical problems, so I knew it wasn't going to last forever.  My doctor said he would not do more than 3 cortisone injections into any one joint per year.  There is always a risk of infection with each injection, and too much cortisone can cause damage to the cartilage and ligaments.  My doctor said to try to 'save' the injections for special occasions--a vacation, a wedding, etc.

Cortisone is a very powerful treatment, but it does have its side effects.  With my last surgery, my doctor gave me an injection of cortisone at the base of the knee to try to prevent internal scarring from returning.  My knee was amazingly unswollen for about 6 weeks.  I went out to dinner the night after my surgery (on crutches, of course) and in general bounced back very quickly because I didn't have huge amounts of swelling.  But the cortisone prevented one of my incisions from closing properly, and at one week post-op I popped the thing open (stitches and all).  I ended up with a pretty bad infection that took about 5 weeks to clear up .  Once it did, the swelling came back....

In all, I am a fan of cortisone when it's used judiciously.  My one bad experience was when cortisone was used in combination with surgery, so we know not to do that again on me.  I would agree in a heartbeat if my doctor suggested another cortisone injection to make my knee feel better--and I'm absolutely not a needle fan!

Hope this helps.

Heather
Posted by melissa (melissa), 12 September 2002

hi after my ttt and lr I had some put in my knee through a tube and it lasted about 6 days, it was wonderful!!! Melissa

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