Integrated Health Experts

During this non-operative, outpatient procedure, the physician injects a pain relief medication called Sodium Hyaluronate into the knee joint. The Sodium Hyaluronate will help the knee move smoothly, reducing or relieving the pain of osteoarthritis.

Preparation

In preparation for the pain management injection, the physician swabs the knee and administers a local anesthetic. The physician positions a device called a fluoroscope over the knee. The fluoroscope will display a moving X-ray image of the inside of the knee. This will ensure that the Sodium Hyaluronate is injected into the joint space.

Injecting The Dye

The physician carefully guides a needle into the knee joint. The physician confirms the needle’s placement with an injection of dye. The dye is clearly visible on the fluoroscope. If the dye pools in the soft tissue at the front of the knee, the physician adjusts the placement of the needle. When the dye successfully reaches the space inside the joint, the physician is ready to inject the Sodium Hyaluronate.

Injecting The Medication

While leaving the needle in position, the physician removes the dye syringe and replaces it with a Sodium Hyaluronate syringe. The physician injects the Sodium Hyaluronate into the space within the knee joint. The Sodium Hyaluronate will bond with the synovial fluid inside the joint. It will help cushion and lubricate the joint.

End Of Procedure

When the injection is complete, the physician removes the needle and bandages the knee. Sodium Hyaluronate is administered in a series of three to five injections given one week apart. Patients typically begin to feel pain relief after the third injection, and pain relief can last for up to six months. Physical therapy will enhance the effects of the medication and increase the effectiveness of the pain management treatments.

Contact Crestwood Integrated Health today for more information and to schedule an appointment.