Viscosupplementation is a minimally invasive joint injection used to treat osteoarthritis, most commonly in the knee. The procedure involves injecting hyaluronic acid into the joint to restore lubrication, reduce inflammation, and improve mobility.
Hyaluronic acid acts as a natural lubricant and shock absorber within healthy joints. In osteoarthritis, levels of hyaluronic acid decrease, leading to joint pain, stiffness, and swelling.
What Is Viscosupplementation?
Viscosupplementation replaces depleted hyaluronic acid in arthritic joints. By restoring joint lubrication, the injection helps:
Reduce joint friction
Improve shock absorption
Decrease inflammation
Relieve pain
Improve joint mobility
Viscosupplementation is most commonly performed for knee osteoarthritis but may be used in other joints when appropriate.
Conditions Treated
Viscosupplementation is primarily indicated for:
Knee osteoarthritis
Mild to moderate degenerative joint disease
Persistent joint pain not relieved by conservative treatment
It is often recommended for patients seeking to delay knee replacement surgery.
Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
Patients with osteoarthritis may experience:
Joint pain during or after movement
Stiffness after periods of inactivity
Tenderness with pressure
Reduced flexibility
Grinding or popping sensations
Bone spur formation
Swelling due to soft tissue inflammation
Viscosupplementation targets the mechanical and inflammatory components of these symptoms.
Table of Contents
How the Procedure Is Performed
Viscosupplementation injections are performed in an outpatient setting.
The procedure includes:
Cleaning and sterilizing the skin over the joint
Removing excess joint fluid if present (joint aspiration)
Administering local anesthetic for comfort
Using imaging guidance when necessary for precise needle placement
Injecting hyaluronic acid into the joint
Applying a small bandage
The procedure typically takes only a few minutes.
If effective, viscosupplementation may be repeated approximately every six months depending on symptom recurrence.
Benefits of Viscosupplementation
Improved joint lubrication
Reduced knee pain
Accurate diagnosis of neck pain source
Enhanced mobility
Minimally invasive treatment
Potential delay of joint replacement surgery
Begin your journey to recovery.
Reach out to our specialists to schedule an initial consultation. We’ll carefully review your symptoms and match you with the right expert for your specific condition.
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