The Administration Methods of Hydrocortisone and Local Anaesthetic Injections (HCLA) Injections in the Upper Limb Clinic

Aims – To audit the administration of musculoskeletal hydrocortisone and local anaesthetic HCLA) injections, and to address the long wait times for routine musculoskeletal injections within the radiology department. Methods – Over a six week period 633 patients were seen in the upper limb clinics at Robina Hospital, Queensland, Australia. Of these, 39 required HCLA injections. The data was initially collected prospectively, but was noted to have a poor capture (12), therefore the notes over the same six week period were retrospectively reviewed, adding an additional 27 to the study. Therefore the total subject number was 39. Results – 100% of De Quervain’s HCLA injections occurred in clinic, however n=1. Only 44% of patients requiring HCLA injection received this in clinic. There were no trigger fingers requiring intervention in the study cohort. Conclusions – The set standard of 100% of therapeutic musculoskeletal injections to the upper limb that can be carried out adequately in clinic is not being achieved. Efforts therefore must be made to improve their delivery in clinic.