Steroids used locally are safe

WWMA Hudson Physicians has received many inquiries related to the news messages regarding a meningitis outbreak linked to epidural steroid injections in multiple states across the U.S. and local officials said Hudson Physicians did not use the steroid medication causing the concern.

“We would like to assure the community that Hudson Physicians do not utilize the manufacturer that is in question,” said Dr. Lincoln Likness of WWMA Hudson Physicians

A letter was sent to Hudson Physician patients from Dr. Likness with the following message:

“As you may be aware there is a recent outbreak of fungal meningitis, which is an infection of the central nervous system and spinal cord area following epidural steroid injections with a specific steroid medication, Methylprednisolone. That medication was compounded and prepared in a single pharmacy on the East Coast in the United States. This outbreak has been well-publicized in the media over the last week.

“We want to take a moment to reassure you that if you have received a spine injection from Lincoln Likness, D.O., you are completely safe from any concern related to this fungal meningitis outbreak. “Methylprednisolone is not used for spine injections in the practice of Dr. Likness and we do not use any steroid medication prepared by the pharmacy being investigated.

“Spine injections are common procedures and significantly beneficial to the diagnostic and therapeutic care of spine patients. We appreciate your care and your concern and wanted to make sure that you felt secure in the care that you are receiving from WWMA Hudson Physicians for your neck or back problem.”

Dr. Likness provides unparalleled expertise in the field of sports and spine medicine, orthopedic medicine, and osteopathic medicine. Dr. Likness has extensive training and experience in spine injections and interventional procedures including epidural steroid injections, facet injections, and hip and sacroiliac joint injections. He also performs musculoskeletal ultrasound and ultrasound guided procedures.

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