Why is synovial fluid injection necessary?
Synovial fluid injection is an option for treating knee osteoarthritis in cases where medications and physical therapy do not improve symptoms. Normally, the knee joints contain a viscous fluid known as synovial fluid. It functions as a nourishing fluid that lubricates and reduces impacts and friction on the joints.
Long years of use cause knee deterioration.
Knee deterioration is caused by extended usage of the knees, leading to damage to the cartilage surfaces and a reduction in the amount of synovial fluids in the knee joints. As a result, the patient will often experience pain while moving along with knee deformities such as curved knees, which impact the quality of life of the patient. Accordingly, knee deterioration can be found in elderly patients who are 50-60 years old or more. However, today, this condition is likely to be found in younger populations due to incorrect lifestyles such as heavy body weight, habitually sitting cross-legged on the floor, sitting with the knees folded to the side and kneeling. Accordingly, behaviors that cause the knees to deteriorate more quickly should be avoided.
How does synovial fluid injection work ?
The doctor will inject synovial fluid into the knee that is suffering from pain by once per week for 3-5 weeks consecutively. After the injections, the patient will experience improved mobility, reduced pain, reduced inflammation and changes in cell function inside the joints. After completing all the injections, the average time it takes to recover from pain is about 6 months to 1 year, depending on the severity and behaviors of the patient, thus improving the patient’s quality of life. (The effectiveness of the treatment outcome depends on the commencement time of treatment. If treatment is provided in the early stages of osteoarthritis, it will be possible to maintain joint function for a long time.) The substance used to inject into the joints is hyaluronic acid (HA), which is present in the human synovial fluid. It is viscous, flexible and reduces pressure and impacts on the joints, especially the surfaces of the knee bones.
Safe Treatment Standards for the Best Interest of Patients
Before undergoing treatment, doctors will thoroughly review the patient’s history for the best interest of the patient. Synovial fluid injection is not recommended if the patient has knee infection or a skin condition on the site of injection. That being said, synovial fluid injection into the knee surfaces do not cause harmful side effects and may only cause pain, swelling or redness like ordinary injections. It is possible to recover from these symptoms on without assistance or by applying ice to the area to make the symptoms subside more quickly. In addition, it is recommended to avoid using the joints for at least 2 days after the injection.
