Overview
The main component of HYALGAN® is a naturally-derived material called hyaluronan. This substance reduces your pain by cushioning and lubricating your knee joint. Hyaluronan is naturally found in the body and is typically found in particularly large amounts in joint tissue and in the fluid within the joint, or the synovial fluid. HYALGAN® is injected directly into the knee.
Is it right for me?
If you are experiencing knee pain caused from osteoarthritis that has not responded to conservative therapies, you may be a good candidate for a HYALGAN® injection.
What is the procedure like?
To begin, your knee is numbed with a local anesthetic. A needle is carefully inserted into your knee joint. The doctor uses a fluoroscope (that's a video X-ray device that shows moving images) to watch the needle inside your knee. To make sure the needle is in the right place, the doctor injects some dye. It shows up clearly on the fluoroscope. The doctor makes sure the dye enters the space around the joint. Without moving the needle, the doctor removes the dye syringe. It's replaced with a syringe of HYALGAN. The doctor injects it into your joint. It bonds with the knee's synovial fluid (that's the thick lubricating fluid inside your joint). The HYALGAN will cushion your knee and help it move smoothly.
What happens after the procedure?
After the injection, your knee is bandaged. A series of three to five HYALGAN injections will complete your regimen. You'll get one each week. Pain relief usually begins after the third injection, and it can last for up to six months. You may benefit from physical therapy, too. For more information, speak to a Nevada Pain Care provider.