Survey of Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Physicians Regarding Use of Medrol Dosepak for Sports Injuries

Purpose: To study the use of a methylprednisolone taper (Medrol Dosepak; Pfizer, New York, NY) short-term oral corticosteroid treatment modality by sports medicine physicians; included is discussion on indications, perceived efficacy, and complications. Methods:A survey specific to Medrol Dosepak (MDP) use was mailed to all members of the Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA) and the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM). Surveys were collected and data were collated and analyzed. Results: Total response rate was 41% (1,290/3,167), US response rate 43% (1,247/2,906), and international response rate 16% (43/261). Prescribing of MDP for sports injuries was significantly associated with average patient age ≤40 years (χ square; P = .001), but it was not associated with years in practice or patients seen per year. It was found that 47% of members (603/1,290) prescribe MDP. Postinjury disease was the most common indication. The most frequent complication was glucose intolerance (37%; 222/603). Of members who prescribe MDP, 8.5% (51/603) reported that they had seen 101 total cases of osteonecrosis, predominantly in the hip. Results revealed that 52% of members (672/1,290) do not prescribe MDP. The most frequent reasons for not prescribing included fear of osteonecrosis (30%; 201/672), fear of complications in general (27%; 183/672), lack of proven efficacy (27%; 180/672), and fear of malpractice (4.5%; 30/672). Of nonprescribing members (171/672), 25% had seen 500 cases of osteonecrosis, most often in the hip. Conclusions:The responding membership of AANA and AOSSM is evenly split regarding MDP use. Average patient age ≤40 years was associated with a greater likelihood that MDP would be prescribed for sports injuries. Postinjury disease is the most common indication; lack of proven efficacy and osteonecrosis are deterrents to prescription. Level of Evidence: Level V, expert opinion.