28th Annual Scientific Meeting of the European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology (ESSR), Virtual Edition, June 2021 | 2021
Corticosteroid Injections During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Survey of BSSR Members
Abstract
Purpose or Learning Objective: To outline the response of British radiologists to evolving national guidelines and highlight the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the treatment of musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions. Methods or Background: An online anonymized survey was distributed via the forum of the British Society of Skeletal Radiology (BSSR) in November 2020. Responses were collated using a standardized Google form of 21 questions. Results or Findings: A total of 135 BSSR members completed the survey. About 85% of respondents stopped performing corticosteroid injections (CSIs) during the initial lockdown of the pandemic, primarily influenced by national guidelines. Most respondents initially abstained from offering CSI procedures, and then by November, 68.7% of respondents were providing CSIs for high-and low-risk patients, 23% were only offering CSIs for low-risk patients, with 8% still not performing any CSIs. Approximately 40% of respondents reported routinely obtaining specific written consent regarding the risk of COVID19. An estimated 11,000 CSIs were performed by respondents between March and November 2020 with no reported significant complications related to COVID-19. The number of CSIs performed by BSSR members was reduced to < 80% in > 80% of responses, with an increased backlog of patients awaiting treatment reported by 73%. The average waiting time for routine outpatient CSI treatment was > 12 weeks in 53% of responses. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the clinical practices of MSK radiologists in the United Kingdom. Our survey highlights the rapid response of BSSR members as the national guidelines evolved. Most respondents are currently performing CSIs for MSK conditions when clinically indicated, with patient-enhanced consent. However, the pandemic has resulted in increased waiting times, delaying the treatment of patients who may be experiencing significant pain and disability. Further research is warranted to provide guidance regarding service recovery and offering CSIs around COVID-19 vaccination schedules.