2025

Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA) After COVID-19 Vaccination: A Retrospective Study (2025)

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Type of publication:

Journal article

Author(s):

*Manoharan, Gopikanthan; *Murugesan, Thivagar; Winton, Jo; Smith, Matthew; Brownson, Peter.

Citation:

Cureus. 17(11):e98023, 2025 Nov.

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: The global administration of billions of COVID-19 vaccine doses has raised concerns about potential adverse effects, contributing to vaccine hesitancy. While transient mild discomfort is common after intramuscular vaccination, persistent and severe post-vaccination shoulder pain has led to recognition of Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA). SIRVA is characterised by shoulder pain and restricted range of motion typically occurring within 48 hours of inoculation, thought to result from inadvertent vaccine delivery into the subdeltoid bursa. In addition to its clinical definition, SIRVA is also viewed as a medicolegal construct, particularly in the context of vaccine injury compensation frameworks. This study aimed to describe our experience with patients presenting with SIRVA-like symptoms following COVID-19 vaccination, compare these findings with published literature, and assess clinical outcomes.

METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted at a major trauma centre. All patients presenting to the orthopaedics department with atypical shoulder symptoms following COVID-19 vaccination between January and December 2021, with at least six months of follow-up, were reviewed. Only patients meeting the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Vaccine Injury Table diagnostic criteria for SIRVA were included. Data on demographics, vaccine type, clinical findings, investigations, treatment, and outcomes were collected.

RESULTS: Of the 31 patients presenting with post-vaccination shoulder symptoms, 16 (52%) met the HRSA criteria for SIRVA. The mean age was 54 years, and 63% were female. All patients presented with shoulder pain and reduced range of motion. The mean follow-up duration was 12 months. Most patients (94%) were treated non-operatively with analgesia, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and physiotherapy. At one-year follow-up, 44% achieved complete or near-complete recovery, while 31% (n =5) reported no improvement and required specialist referral.

CONCLUSION: SIRVA is a rare complication following COVID-19 vaccination and is best considered a medicolegal term rather than a definitive diagnosis. Strict adherence to diagnostic criteria is essential, as overdiagnosis may occur among patients with coincidental post-vaccination shoulder pain. While most cases resolve with conservative management, a subset may experience persistent symptoms. Evidence suggests that SIRVA is more likely related to improper injection technique rather than the vaccine itself.

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.98023

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A Comparison of 1.5-Stage and Two-Stage Revisions for Prosthetic Joint Infection in Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: A Meta-Analysis of Outcomes (2025)

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Type of publication:

Systematic Review

Author(s):

*Ibrahim, Abdelrahman; Khamdan, Khadija; Sadiq, Salman; *Lyeeq, Ahmed; Narayanswamy, Nikhil; Saeed, Abu.

Citation:

Cureus. 17(11):e98180, 2025 Nov.

Abstract:

Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a devastating complication of total hip and knee arthroplasty. Whilst two-stage revision has long been considered the gold standard treatment, the 1.5-stage revision has emerged as a viable alternative. However, the optimal surgical strategy remains a subject of debate. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the comparative outcomes of 1.5-stage versus two-stage revision for PJI. A systematic search of electronic data sources and bibliographic reference lists was conducted. All studies reporting comparative outcomes of 1.5-stage versus two-stage revision were included, and their risk of bias was assessed. Reinfection, failure of infection eradication, aseptic loosening, overall complications, readmission, and periprosthetic fracture were the evaluated outcome parameters. All comparative studies reporting on patients who underwent either a 1.5-stage or a two-stage revision were included in the final analysis. The 1.5-stage revision was associated with a significantly lower rate of reinfection (odds ratio (OR): 0.62; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.40-0.96, p = 0.03) but a significantly higher rate of aseptic loosening (OR: 6.12; 95% CI 1.09-34.22, p = 0.04) when compared with the two-stage revision. No significant difference was found in the rates of infection eradication (OR: 1.35; 95% CI 0.80-2.27, p =0.26), overall complications, readmission, dislocations, or periprosthetic fracture between the two groups. A subgroup analysis for knee PJI was consistent with the main analysis for reinfection. The meta-analysis of the best available evidence indicates that a 1.5-stage revision for PJI is associated with a lower rate of reinfection but a higher risk of aseptic loosening. High-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to definitively establish the optimal surgical strategy for managing PJI.

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.98180

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Safety and efficacy of IL-23 inhibitors in patients with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (2025)

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Type of publication:

Systematic Review

Author(s):

Amin, Hamza Muhammad; Hasan, Sundas; Abukhater, Reem; Lilley, Rachel; Atique, Arif; Shoaib, Maheen Sattar; Albustanji, Qutaiba; Sadique, Humza; *Khalid, Saad Muhammad; Hasan, Ali; Majeed, Salman; Shahzad, Muhammad Aamir; Shahzad, Maryam; Ahmed, Mushood; Ahmed, Raheel; Gardezi, Syed Anjum.

Citation:

International Journal of Colorectal Disease. 2025 Dec 30.

Abstract:

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Targeting the interleukin-23 (IL-23) pathway is an emerging therapeutic strategy for moderate to severe ulcerative colitis (UC). This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of IL-23 inhibitors for induction and maintenance therapy in UC.

METHODS: A systematic search of PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar was conducted up to May 2025 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of IL-23 inhibitors (mirikizumab, risankizumab, guselkumab) in UC. Data were analyzed using Review Manager (RevMan 5.4) with a random-effects model.

RESULTS: Seven RCTs (four induction, three maintenance) including 4203 patients were analyzed. IL-23 inhibitors significantly increased clinical remission during both induction (RR 1.52) and maintenance (RR 1.62). Rates of histo-endoscopic healing were also higher with IL-23 blockade in both induction (RR 2.53) and maintenance (RR 1.81). Importantly, IL-23 inhibitors were associated with a reduced risk of serious adverse events during induction (RR 0.39), with no significant difference observed during maintenance (RR 0.68). Other outcomes, including clinical response and corticosteroid-free remission, also consistently favored IL-23 blockade.

CONCLUSION: IL-23 inhibitors provide significant improvements in clinical remission and mucosal healing, with a favorable safety profile, particularly during induction therapy in moderate to severe UC.

DOI: 10.1007/s00384-025-05014-5

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Medicine Flow Team – Test of Change PRH (2025)

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Type of publication:

Service improvement case study

Author(s):

*Shelbey Fenton-Cook

Citation:

SaTH Improvement Hub, December 2025

SMART Aim:

During a 1-month test of change 22nd Sept – 17th October 2025

  • Increase pre 12:00 discharges to trust target of 35%
  • Increase pre 08:45 transfers to DCL to 10%
  • Increase in DCL utilisation to 50%
  • Reduction in simple LOS to trust target of 4 days

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Medicine Flow Team – Test of Change RSH (2025)

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Type of publication:

Service improvement case study

Author(s):

*Shelbey Fenton-Cook

Citation:

SaTH Improvement Hub, December 2025

SMART Aim:

During a 1-month test of change 22nd Sept – 17th October 2025

  • Reduction in simple LOS to trust target of 4 days
  • Increase pre 12:00 discharges to trust target of 35%
  • Increase pre 08:45 transfers to DCL to 10%
  • Increase in DCL utilisation to 50%

Link to PDF poster

SaTH and CTH Therapy Weekend assessment and Discharge Model (2025)

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Type of publication:

Service improvement case study

Author(s):

*Mandy Taylor; *Sharon Huckerby; *Sarah Robinson.

Citation:

SaTH Improvement Hub, December 2025

SMART Aim:

To develop a streamlined therapy approach to support the discharge of the complex patient ensuring the patient is supported to leave the acute setting as soon as medically optimised by 20th November 2025 as
evidenced by complex discharge figures.

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Oxygen Prescriptions for Gynaecology Inpatients (2025)

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Type of publication:

Service improvement case study

Author(s):

*William Roberts

Citation:

SaTH Improvement Hub, December 2025

SMART Aim:

Trust policy for all inpatients to have a target oxygen saturation identified on admission. Widespread issue with poor oxygen prescription compliance across the country. 47% (n = 15) of gynae inpatients had no oxygen prescribed. Incorrect/absent prescriptions have the potential to cause harm. Target compliance 80%

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Next-of-Kin (NOK) Communication Bundle – Second Cycle (2025)

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Type of publication:

Service improvement case study

Author(s):

*Yasmin Ahmadi, *Giulia Abdel Latif

Citation:

SaTH Improvement Hub, December 2025

SMART Aim:

To evaluate the awareness, use, and perceived helpfulness of the NOK communication sticker among ward staff following its implementation in Cycle 1 by 31st October 2025 as evidenced by staff feedback survey results.

Link to PDF poster