What is it? A sticky or squeaking hinge can be “cured” with a drop of oil, so it makes sense that a hinge joint, like the knee, would also benefit from a little lubrication. At least that’s the premise behind one new form of treatment for arthritis of the knee. The procedure, called viscosupplementation, injects a preparation of hyaluronic acid into the knee joint. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in the synovial (joint) fluid. It acts as a lubricant to enable bones to move smoothly over each other and as a shock absorber for joint loads. However, people with osteoarthritis (wear and tear arthritis) have a lower-than-normal concentration of hyaluronic acid in their joints. Viscosupplementation may be a therapeutic option for individuals with osteoarthritis of the knee. Treatment: The first line of treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee aims to relieve pain. Normally, pain relievers such as ibuprofen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) are used, along with physical therapy, applications of a topical analgesic and injections of a corticosteriod. However, some people have a reaction to NSAIDS and these agents usually bring only temporary relief. When conservative measures fail, surgery perhaps even to replace the joint, may be required. Viscosupplementation has been shown to relieve pain in many patients who did not get relief from nonmedicinal measures or analgesic drugs. The technique has been used in Europe and Asia for several years, but the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) did not approve it until 1997, and then only for treating osteoarthritis of the knee. Five preparations of hyaluronic acid are currently available. Some are a natural product made from rooster combs, others are artificial and manufactured from bacterial cultures. If you are allergic to egg, poultry, or feathers, you may not be a candidate for the injections. If there is any swelling (effusion) in the knee, your physician will remove (aspirate) the excess fluids before injecting the hyaluronic acid. Usually, this can be done at the same time, with only one needle injected into the joint, although some doctors may prefer to use two separate syringes. Depending on the product used, you will receive 3 to 5 injections over several weeks. What are the effects of viscosupplementation? Immediate effects: Hyaluronic acid does not have an immediate pain relieving effect. You may notice a local reaction, such as pain, warmth, and slight swelling immediately after the shot. These symptoms generally do not last long. You may want to apply an ice pack to help ease them. For the first 48 hours after the injection, you should avoid excessive weight bearing on the leg, such as standing for long periods of time, jogging, or heavy lifting. Longer effects: Over the course of the injections, you may notice that you have less pain in your knee. Hyaluronic acid does seem to have anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties. The injection may also stimulate the body to produce more of its own hyaluronic acid. Effects may last for several months. Viscosupplementation doesn’t work for everyone. There’s no proof that it will reverse or delay the process of osteoarthritis. In addition, it’s very expensive and clinical trials have not yet proven that it is cost effective. Viscosupplementation injections have been used in other joints besides the knee. Some examples are: acromialclavicular joint, ankles, wrist, shoulder, and hip. Unfortunately, the FDA has not indicated use of the injections in these locations so most insurances will not cover them. If your current course of medication and treatment is working, stay with it. However, it your arthritis is not responding well, or if you’re trying to delay an inevitable surgery, you may wish to discuss this option with your orthopedic surgeon.
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