Injections
Joint injections include stem cells, blood products such as autologous conditioned plasma (ACP)/platelet-rich plasma (PRP), hyaluronic
acid/viscosupplementation, and cortisone. The goal of all joint injections is to decrease pain and/or inflammation associated with
osteoarthritis (OA) and increase function. Each has a differing mechanism of effect, effectiveness and amount of supporting clinical
evidence. As these are invasive treatment options that carry with them the risk of joint infection and high cost, it is very important you
are well informed before including injections in your treatment plan.
Stem Cell Injections
Over recent years, a lot of attention has been focused on the potential for stem cells to treat osteoarthritis. This attention was largely due to claims that stem cells could regenerate the articular cartilage.
Viscosupplementation (Hyaluronan or Hyaluronic Acid)
This treatment involves a gel-like fluid called Hyaluronic Acid (HA) being injected into your affected knee. Hyaluronic Acid is a naturally occurring substance found in the synovial fluid around joints. It acts as a lubricant to enable bones to move smoothly over each other and as a shock absorber for joint loads.
Steroid Injection (Corticosteroid Or Cortisone)
The Cochrane Collaboration states that corticosteroid injections may cause a moderate improvement in pain and a small improvement in physical function, but that the quality of the evidence is low and results are inconclusive.
PRP (Platelet-Rich) Plasma
Both Autologous Concentrated Plasma (ACP) and Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) are injections that are derived from your own blood. Both processes
involve spinning or centrifuging the blood until it separates into layers.