Are you having chronic issues with your knees? Maybe the activities you once enjoyed are out of the picture as your joints don’t support you in the way they once did. At Nowak Orthopedic Associates, there are effective treatments that we consider as options to help you get back to enjoying an active lifestyle.
Viscosupplementation for Osteoarthritis of the knee
Viscosupplementation can be an effective treatment for those suffering from chronic osteoarthritis (OA) of their knees. Viscosupplementation is usually considered when other treatment options have been tried and have not relieved your pain. Three to five injections, each 1 week apart, are required.
Osteoarthritis mostly affects the cartilage in your knee. Cartilage is the tissue that covers the ends of bones in a joint. When healthy, cartilage allows bones to glide over one another and provides a “shock absorber” function. The normal knee joint also contains a small amount of fluid called synovial fluid, which is a thick, gel-like substance that cushions the joint and provides lubrication to reduce friction.
What is viscosupplementation?
Viscosupplementation is a procedure in which a thick fluid called hyaluronate is injected into the knee joint. There are no cures for osteoarthritis, so viscosupplementation will not cure osteoarthritis of the knee. However, it is thought that hyaluronate will improve the lubricating properties of the synovial fluid, reduce the pain from osteoarthritis of the knee, improve mobility, and provide a higher and more comfortable level of activity.
*Most patients will report greatest relief 8-12 wks. after beginning treatment.
Needle Imaging (Mi-Eye In-office diagnosis shoulder and knee scopes)
Many patients may benefit from the mi-eye in-office advanced diagnostic tool that allows your orthopedic surgeon to visualize the inside of your knee or shoulder and make an on the spot decision regarding the type of treatment that would benefit your condition.
The ideal mi-eye patient is someone that may not be a candidate for an MRI, such as those with claustrophobia, pacemakers, metal implants, or anxiety. In addition, someone that is looking for an immediate diagnosis as opposed to waiting possibly weeks to get an MRI lined up and followed up with your MD. The procedure is done by your physician and takes no longer than 10-15 minutes. During the procedure, your physician may recommend a cortisone injection and can effectively administer the steroid into the exact desired anatomical location as he is able to effectively view with the mi-eye device.
