Viscosupplementation for KNEE PAIN

Viscosupplementation: This procedures involve the injection of gel-like substances (hyaluronates) into a joint to supplement the viscous properties of synovial fluid. Currently, these injections are approved for osteoarthritis of the knee joint, when more conservative treatments have failed.

There are several different brand names for substances used as joint replacement fluid (hyaluronic acid) such as:

Euflexxa Supartz Synvisc Orthovisc

Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in the fluid that surround a healthy knee, called synovial fluid. Synovial fluid helps cushion, lubricate, and protect the knee. As people age, the synovial fluid becomes thinner and less able to lubricate the joint, allowing osteoarthritis to develop (OA).

The Symptoms of OA (osteoarthritis) are treatable, especially in the early stages. If you have pain or stiffness in one or both knees, you may have OA. An x-ray is often performed to assess the degree of OA that is present:

Mild: The surface cartilage in your knee joint begins to wear down. Symptoms are generally mild, and may include occasional pain and brief morning stiffness.

Moderate: joint cartilage continues to wear away and joint fluid may lose its ability to lubricate and cushion the knee. Bony growths or spurs, may also form on the edges of the bones moving may become more painful.

Severe: Cartilage may totally wear away, causing bone to rub against each other pain may be more constant or severe.

If you have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee, a Viscous Joint Replacement fluid (viscous supplementation) may be right for you if you can't get satisfactory pain relief or improvement in activity levels....

• With over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®)

• With physical therapy, exercise, or weight loss

• With prescription pain medications

Or if you can't tolerate....

• Aspirin

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

• COX-2 inhibitors

• Other pain medications

• The side effects of prescription pain medications (such as COX-2 inhibitors)

You should not receive treatment with Viscous Supplementation if you have: a known allergy to hyaluronate preparations, knee joint infections, infections or skin disease in the area of the injection site.

If you have any questions whatsoever regarding joint lubrication injections for the knee
and whether or not it may be helpful for your pain,
please do not hesitate to ask Lynne Carr Columbus, D.O. / Hee (Dennis) S. Lee, M.D.