Knee Joint Viscosupplementation

• Purpose – To alleviate pain and increase range of motion affected by osteoarthritis and the weakening function of the knee joint.

• Overview – Viscosupplementation is the injection of a synthetic form of joint fluid that lubricates the joints, allowing the bones to move smoothly over each other. The synthetic joint fluid also acts as a shock absorber.

• Before the procedure – No special preparation is needed prior to viscosupplementation.

• Details – The procedure begins with the sterilization of the skin at the injection site, followed by an anesthetic to numb the area. Once the accurate location of the injection is determined, the solutions are injected directly into the injection site. Typically, three to five injections are delivered over several weeks.

• After the procedure – It is possible that a local reaction, such as pain, warmth, and slight swelling may occur. To relieve these symptoms, an ice pack may be used. It is also recommended to avoid excessive weight bearing on the joint for the first couple of days.  Overall, the results of viscosupplementation are not always immediate; improvement should be seen over time.