WHAT IS IT
- Viscosupplementation is a treatment where a joint is injected with a naturally occurring viscous liquid called hyaluronic acid
WHEN IS IT INDICATED?
- Dr. Gamradt uses viscosupplementation for arthritis of the knee and shoulder
WHAT IS ARTHRITIS?
- In osteoarthritis, the surface layer of cartilage breaks down and wears away creating friction, inflammation, and pain.
PROCEDURE
- The procedure is performed in the office.
- Cold spray and local anesthetic are used
- Procedure duration is 10 minutes
- Dr. Gamradt prefers single injection preparations such as Synvisc One or Monovisc rather than multi-injection treatments
RECOVERY
- The injection is initially accompanied by some discomfort and icing and Tylenol is recommended after procedure
- The effect of the viscosupplementation begins to take effect over the course of 2-6 weeks.
- The injection lasts 6-12 months
SUCCESS RATE
- 70 %
INSURANCE COVERAGE
- Fewer and fewer private insurances cover viscosupplementation
- Medicare does cover viscosupplementation
- Even though the treatment works for shoulder, it is not covered by any insurance for shoulder arthritis
- When not covered by insurance, the patient can economically purchase the medication from Canada and bring it in to Dr. Gamradt’s office to be injected.
RISKS (very rare)
- Bleeding
- Allergic reaction
- Pain at the injection site
- Infection (you should delay your injection if you have any active infection to help prevent this)
