What is Viscosupplementation for Elbow Arthritis?

Viscosupplementation is a medical procedure that involves injecting hyaluronic acid, a gel-like fluid, directly into the affected joint. The injection goes into effect by lubricating the joint and assisting the synovial fluid to create more cushion. This works to reduce pain and improve the range of motion or mobility of the joint.

Viscosupplementation is a non-surgical procedure for arthritic joints of the extremities, this injection reduces pain and improves function. Viscosupplementation is commonly used to treat osteoarthritis of the knee and a variety of other joints, including elbow arthritis.

Who is eligible for Viscosupplementation for Elbow Arthritis?

Viscosupplementation is a treatment that's used to help reduce pain, stiffness, and swelling due to osteoarthritis. It can temporarily improve symptoms of the disease. If you have mild or moderate symptoms and are trying to delay surgery on your joint, viscosupplementation might be an excellent solution for you.

Hyaluronic acid injection is not a treatment choice for arthritis in all types of joints. It can be used in the knee joint but will also work well in other joints as well, including your elbow.

Tests and Diagnosis for Viscosupplementation for Elbow Arthritis

If you have osteoarthritis of the elbow and if previous treatments have caused insufficient pain relief or cartilage damage, viscosupplementation injections may be recommended. Viscosupplementation can help regenerate articular cartilage and treat osteoarthritis and arthritic pain.

Procedure Viscosupplementation for Elbow Arthritis

Viscosupplementation is a procedure involving the injection of hyaluronic acid into the joints. This thick fluid may help reduce pain and swelling associated with osteoarthritis of knee. Bones that make up your joints have a cap of cartilage on their ends. Cartilage helps make sure that your bones move smoothly against each other. Cartilage has a fluid coating that contains hyaluronic acid which works like a lubricant and shock absorber in your joint.

A patient can receive this injection to recover the rheological properties of the synovial fluid, achieve analgesia after surgery or injury, improve function in osteoarthritis and regenerate damaged knee cartilage.The procedure involves injecting hyaluronic acid into 2-5 sites over a period of 5-10 minutes, depending on the area of treatment. The joint (knee) is then taped to restrict outflow.

You shouldn’t expect this to reduce your pain right away. After the full course of treatment, though, you may notice some pain relief.

Precautions Viscosupplementation for Elbow Arthritis

You will experience mild pain, swelling and soreness at the site of the injection. Your doctor may prescribe medication to control your pain. If you have questions about your pain or medications, talk with one of our nurses to make sure you are comfortable.

Your doctor may recommend you take precautions during your first few days following Viscosupplementation for Elbow Arthritis. You will likely experience less pain and swelling in your affected joint within a few weeks of treatment and relief is normally complete within three months. Benefits from the injections are temporary, lasting on average six months.

What are the risks & complications?

There are very small risks of syringes include: some bleeding, a small skin reaction, localized pain and discomfort, possible spread of infection if you have an active sore, and a failure to be helped by the treatment.

Tell your health care provider if you have any of these problems. Your risks may vary depending on your medical history or if other medicines are being used.