Simple question, complicated answer.
Steroids such as prednisone impair wound healing, thus they are not
desirable after ANY surgery.
BUT...
Chronic steroid use supresses endogenous (self-generated) steroids.
Abrupt cessation of exogenous steroids (i.e. prednisone) can result in
adrenal insufficiency, a potentially life-threatening condition.
ALSO...
A normal person produces more endogenous steroids in response to
stress. Chronic steroid users cannot do this, and may need additional
steroids during and after surgery to prevent adrenal insufficiency.
SO...
Depending on the amount of steroids one takes, it may be desirable to
continue them, or even to take more after surgery!
OF NOTE...
"Steroids" here refer to glucocorticoids such as prednisone, and not
to anabolic steroids (i.e. those used/abused by some weightlifters and
teenagers).
FINALLY...
This should be discussed with the doctor prescribing the steroids
(hopefully a rheumatologist in this case) in consultation with the
orthopedic surgeon doing the procedure.
Hope that helped.
Cheers. |
