What is a Viscosupplementation Injection?
Viscosupplementation injections, including Orthovisc, Supartz, Hyalgan and more, contain hyaluronic acid to help lubricate your joint and improve knee function. Hyaluronic acid is a substance that attracts and retains moisture in fluids and tissues in the body. The synovial fluid in your joints contains hyaluronic acid, which allows your joints to move smoothly and without friction. As you age, the body slows down the production of hyaluronic acid, which can result in decreased lubrication and increased friction, that can lead to pain and inflammation of the joint.
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Who is a good candidate for Viscosupplementation?
Patients who have chronic knee pain from osteoarthritis and other degenerative conditions that have not responded to conservative treatments and/or steroid injections may be a candidate for viscosupplementation injections. During your consultation, your physician will perform a comprehensive history and physical exam, as well as review any diagnostic imaging to determine if you would benefit from an ankle injection.
How is a viscosupplementation injection performed?
All viscosupplementation injections can be performed in our in-office procedure suite. Viscosupplementation is done weekly in a series of 3-5 injections. fluoroscopic (X-Ray) guidance is used for optimal needle placement. Additionally, your physician will use contrast medication to ensure proper placement and spread throughout the joint. Once placement of the needle is confirmed the viscosupplementation is injected into the joint. The procedure takes less than 30 minutes and there is no downtime.
If you are experiencing knee pain and want to know if a viscosupplemenation injection is the right treatment option for you, please call our office to book a consultation.
