Hyaluronic acid
Intra-articular viscosupplementation injections for early and moderate knee and shoulder osteoarthritis.
- What it is
- Hyaluronic acid is a natural component of joint fluid that lubricates and cushions the joint. In osteoarthritis its concentration and quality decrease; viscosupplementation delivers hyaluronic acid into the joint to improve pain and function for a period of time.
- When it is indicated
- In early or moderate osteoarthritis with pain not controlled by exercise, medication and physiotherapy, and in patients who are not candidates for, or do not want, surgery. It is also used as a scaffold in some cartilage surgery techniques.
- How it is performed
- One or several injections in the office, under ultrasound guidance when needed. It can be combined with platelet-rich plasma depending on the case.
- Recovery
- Normal activity within a day or two, avoiding strenuous effort during the first 48 hours. The effect usually builds over several weeks.
- Procedures the doctor performs
- Intra-articular viscosupplementation in the knee
- Intra-articular viscosupplementation in the shoulder
- Combination with PRP / ACP in selected cases
- Hyaluronic acid membranes and scaffolds in cartilage surgery
Other procedures
This content is general information. It does not replace a medical assessment: every case is evaluated in consultation with physical examination and imaging.