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. 2025 Feb 25;35(1):77.
doi: 10.1007/s00590-025-04193-9.

Efficient patient-initiated follow-up after orthopaedic injections

Ka Siu Fan  1   2 , Iqraa Haq  3 , Ali Taha  4 , Andrew Carne  5 , Chintu Gademsetty  6 , Matthew Solan  7
Affiliations

Efficient patient-initiated follow-up after orthopaedic injections

Ka Siu Fan et al. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol. .

Abstract

Background: Annually, thousands of patients with foot and ankle pain receive injections for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. However, since the duration of pain relief is unpredictable, planning follow-up appointments is difficult. This study aimed to improve patient-initiated follow-up through pain diaries.

Methods: The diagnosis, intervention and outcomes for patients receiving ultrasound guided foot and ankle injections were included. By comparing the timing of patient-initiated appointments against the standard 6-8 week appointments, the number of 'saved' appointments were calculated.

Results: Over twelve months, 104 injections were recorded. Fifty-nine patients (57%) requested a follow-up, with a median time to follow-up was 117 days. Only nine patients (9%) requested a review within 6-8 weeks. This may translate to a potential saving of £9500-£19,000 from the avoided follow-up appointments.

Conclusion: Improved pain monitoring through pain diaries allows follow-up appointments to be tailored to patients, which can improve patient experience and resource allocation.

Keywords: Ankle; Appointment; Foot; Injections; Pain diary; Patient-initiated follow-up (PIFU).

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Conflict of interest: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Pain diary provided to patients to capture the pain levels and location of pain throughout the weeks following their injection
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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