(Hyaluronic Acid Injection; Injection, Hyaluronic Acid)
Definition
Definition
Viscosupplementation is an injection of a fluid called hyaluronic acid into the knee joint.
Reasons for Procedure
Reasons for Procedure
This injection is used to treat the symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA).
Joints Affected by OsteoarthritisCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
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Healthy joints contain synovial fluid. This fluid lubricates and provides nutrients to the joints. One change that happens with OA is the synovial fluid becomes thinner and less useful as a lubricant for the joint.
With viscosupplementation, hyaluronic acid, which is found in synovial fluid, is injected into the knee joint. This makes the synovial fluid act as a better lubricant. It is hoped that this will reduce pain and improve function of the joint. In some cases, getting this injection may help to postpone surgery on the knee joint.
Viscosupplementation may be a good option if you have tried other types of treatment and these have failed.
Possible Complications
Possible Complications
Potential problems are rare. But, all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems, like:
- Pain and swelling
- Infection at the injection site
- Bleeding
- Allergic reaction to the hyaluronic acid or local anesthetic product
- Gout
- Inflammation of the blood vessels (vasculitis)
These factors reduce the chance that viscosupplementation will be effective for you:
- Advanced OA
- Age 65 years and older
What to Expect
What to Expect
Prior to Procedure
Before getting this injection, your doctor will most likely have you try many other ways to treat OA, such as:
- Pain medications
- Corticosteroid injections
- Physical therapy
- Weight loss
If these methods are not helpful, then viscosupplementation may be a good option for you. Before the injection, your doctor may:
- Have x-rays done to determine the severity of your OA
- Ask you if you have any allergies to the ingredients in the hyaluronic acid product
If you are taking any prescription medications, over-the-counter products, or herbs and supplements, talk to your doctor. There could be an interaction with the injection.
Description of the Procedure
First, your doctor will clean the skin where the needle will be inserted. A local anesthetic may be applied to numb the area. If you have swelling in the knee joint, the doctor will use a needle to remove the excess fluid. Next, a needle will be used to inject the hyaluronic acid into the joint. If needed, both knees can be done at the same appointment.
While your schedule for receiving injections will vary depending on the brand, you may have a cycle of three injections (eg, on days 1, 8, and 15) or just one. You may need to go through injections more than once. In some cases, it can relieve pain for months to years.
How Long Will It Take?
The procedure usually takes a few minutes to do.
Will It Hurt?
You may feel the prick of the needle. Right after the injection, you may have some mild pain, warmth, and swelling around the knee joint.
Post-procedure Care
At Home
When you return home after the procedure, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:
- Apply ice to your knee to reduce swellng and pain.
- Avoid straining your knee for the first couple of days. Do not stand for a long time or do strenuous activity, like heavy lifting.
As you go through the injection cycles, you may have:
- Less knee pain
- Improved mobility
Call Your Doctor
Call Your Doctor
It is important to monitor your recovery. Alert your doctor to any problems. If any of the following occur, call your doctor:
- Signs of infection, including fever and chills
- Redness, swelling, increasing pain, bleeding, or discharge from the injection site
- Signs of allergic reaction
- Increased pain or swelling in the knee joint
RESOURCES:
Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons http://www.orthoinfo.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
References:
http://www.amcp.org/data/jmcp/May07_suppl.pdf
Accessed February 23, 2011.
Condon G. Putting a needle where it hurts. University of Connecticut Health Center website. Available at:
http://today.uchc.edu/headlines/2005/may05/knees.html
Accessed February 23, 2011.
Degenerative joint disease of the knee. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated February 15, 2011. Accessed February 23, 2011.
Divine JG, Zazulak BT, et al. Viscosupplementation for knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2007;455:113-122.
Joint aspiration and injection. Cleveland Clinic website. Available at:
http://my.clevelandclinic.org/services/services/hic_joint_aspiration_and_injection
Accessed February 24, 2011.
Viscosupplementation treatment for arthritis. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Ortho Info website. Available at:
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00217
Updated February 2009. Accessed February 23, 2011.
Last Updated: 12/20/2014