Viscosupplement Injections
Glucosamine & Chondroitin Tablets Platelet Injection
What is it and why?
-
Injection of gel-like material to cushion and mobilise the knee.
-
Two available types are available; Synvisc and Hyalgan.
-
Both are manufactured from hyaluronic acid, which is a natural substance in the joint cartilage.
-
This procedure is not NICE approved.
- Applicable stages 4 & 5
- Best stages 4 & 5
- Cost Low cost
-
Home/self-help
-
Hospital
-
Daycase procedure
-
Inpatient procedure
-
Local anaesthetic
-
General anaesthetic
-
Regional block / Spina
-
Pain
Worse for 2+ weeks
-
Mobility
Affected 2+ weeks
-
Daily activities
Minor
-
Driving
Minor
-
Leisure activities
Minor
-
Light exercise
Minor
-
Heavy exercise
Affected 2+ weeks
-
Light work
Minor
-
Heavy work
Minor
-
Intimate
Minor
Overview
What does it involve?
-
You will need a series of injections for this to be effective.
-
Synvisc is one injection every week for three weeks.
-
Hyalgan is one injection every week for 5 weeks.
Effort/burden
-
This is an outpatient procedure where the substance will be injected into the affected joint.
-
The treatment requires repeated injections.
-
You should continue with all other physical therapy methods as this treatment is unlikely to work on its own.
Benefits
-
Some studies show that these injections may decrease the pain in a select group of patients.
-
Some also report a decrease in swelling.
-
In some patients, these injections may also slow down joint wear. However, it's difficult to identify who will benefit from this.
Risks
-
Severe exacerbation of pain, infection, allergy, redness, persistent swelling, nausea, stomach pain, limp, swelling of hands or feet, back pain, headache, dizziness, runny nose and repeated sneezing are all reported risks.
-
This procedure is not recommended by NICE as an effective treatment for an arthritic knee.
Cost
-
This is a moderately low-cost option for both patients and the NHS.
-
Patient: Cost may vary depending on local arrangements. Some commissioning bodies do not authorise the use of these injections, so the procedure may need to be done under a private setting. This can cost up to £225 per injection plus an additional cost of a private consultation.
-
NHS: Between £8.80 to £45.00 per injection based on local arrangements.
What if no treatment is done?
-
Ongoing pain.
-
Arthritis may deteriorate and affect your activities of daily living (ADL), family life, work environment and leisure activities.
-
If the condition progresses, you may require a complex and more demanding procedure.
-
If it progresses significantly, there might not be any further treatments available.
-
You may regret not opting for treatment earlier.
