Synthetic Joint Fluid Injections

at Mahwah Valley Orthopedic Associates:

When Should You Consider Injections?

Most patients suffering from pain related to osteoarthritis can find great relief with synthetic joint fluid injections. If you have been told you may need a knee replacement, and are not ready for the procedure, synthetic joint fluid injections can be used to help relieve pain as part of our knee-replacement deferral programs. If you have tried options like physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medication (Advil, Tylenol, etc) and are still in pain, synthetic joint fluid injections may be a great option for you. Of course, we always recommend scheduling an appointment with Dr. Nicholas Alexander for a comprehensive review.

Background:

As the aging process progresses, osteoarthritis or a wearing away of the cartilage in the knees often occurs. When this advances sufficiently, raw bone with nerve endings is exposed in the knee joint, which results in bone rubbing on the bone which causes pain and stiffness in the knees.

Solution Injection Process:

One of the nonoperative treatment options that are available to address this problem is “viscosupplementation” or the injection of synthetic hyaluronic acid into the knee joint as a series of 3-5 injections administered weekly in our office using digital ultrasound guided imaging to provide a liquid cushion between the 2 bones of the knee.

More About the Injections:

This artificial joint fluid is in many cases derived from the rooster comb, thus it has been called the “rooster shot” for the knees. This artificial joint fluid acts as a liquid cushion between the two bones of the knee and may result in less stiffness and pain, as well as greater mobility. This substance lasts for approximately 6 months, and is then absorbed by your body, and may be repeated every 6 months. Most insurances do cover this procedure.

Patients who are allergic to chicken or eggs should let their physician know of these allergies, as there are newer forms of this liquid that are synthetically produced and can be given to patients with these allergies.