Targeted viscosupplementation injections can successfully treat knee pain
Millions of Americans have turned to viscosupplementation injections to relieve knee pain. Unfortunately, these injections are commonly given in the wrong location, and patients never see the pain relief they had hoped for. However, viscosupplementation, which calls for injecting a preparation of hyaluronic acid into the knee to act as a lubricant, can be effective if adaministered properly.
Premier Osteoarthritis Centers of Pennsylvania uses diagnostic fluoroscopy to pinpoint the exact area that needs to be
treated. The process is 95% accurate. The end result is instant relief from chronic knee pain, such as osteoarthritis, with patients able to avoid knee replacement surgery and prescription medications.
NJ Advance Media recently spoke with
Dr. Scot Paris, medical director of Premier Osteoarthritis Centers of Pennsylvania, about the procedure.
Q: How does the treatment work?
A: Diagnostic fluoroscopy allows us to target the exact location of knee pain. Next is a simple injection of a hyaluronic acid. It is a synthetic synovial fluid similar to a substance already produced by the body. The fluid goes to work immediately to reduce the swelling and inflammation in the joint and adds a coating, or a cushion, of protection.
Q: How successful is this in treating osteoarthritis?
A: Osteoarthritis sufferers see a reduction in synovial fluid. Without that cushion of protection, the knee’s cartilage begins to wear away, leading to the rubbing of bone on bone. The procedure has a success rate of higher than 85% in relieving pain associated with osteoarthritis.
Q: Will insurance cover the treatment?
A: Most major insurance companies recognize the benefits of this treatment and will pay some, if not all, of the costs of the services offered by Premier Osteoarthritis Centers of Pennsylvania. Medicare also will pay some if not all of the costs. Of course, we will be more than happy to assist with your
insurance.
Q: Why is viscosupplementation a good alternative to surgery?
A: First, there are no guarantees that knee replacement surgery will be the answer to relieving pain. In addition, surgery is costly, regardless of how much is covered by insurance. Surgery also means lost time from work and typically requires rehabilitation that could take years. It also means possibly addictive medications for pain relief. In addition, as with any procedure, there is always the risk of complications. Viscosupplementation is virtually pain
free and results in no lost time from work or rehabilitation. In fact, recovery time is almost instant. There also are no potentially addictive prescription medications required.
Q: Who would be a candidate for viscosupplementation injections?
A: Patients who receive viscosupplementation typically suffer from sharp or aching pain, or a burning sensation in the knee; tenderness, soreness and swelling of the entire knee; stiffness when they get out of bed or after sitting for a period of time; loss of muscle strength, which leads to balance issues; joint deformity; creaking joints; and, possibly sleepless nights because of these symptoms. Patients suffering from osteoarthritis, which can develop with age, heredity, or repetitive stress from a job or some glory days in athletics, also are candidates.
Q: What type of patients do you see?
A: I see patients who suffer from knee pain due to arthritis, osteoarthritis, sports injuries or other conditions. Many have been told that they need knee replacement
surgery. Others say they have been prescribed various medications to deal with the pain. I also see patients who have tried viscosupplementation elsewhere and found it to be painful and ineffective. Once I explain how we target their pain using diagnostic fluoroscopy, they are thrilled to get started. They are even more thrilled when they feel relief.