

The case against “lube jobs” has gone from strong to checkmate in that time. This article was first published in 2008, and I have updated it several times since (that’s the job). I’m inclined to say that these are simply all washed up scientifically. No intellectually honest person could possibly look at the available scientific evidence and defend this treatment. Science is too polite to say it directly in these papers, but viscosupplementation is pure modern snake oil. Geez, science, tell us what you really think. Strong conclusive evidence indicates that viscosupplementation leads to a small reduction in knee osteoarthritis pain compared with placebo, but the difference is less than the minimal clinically important between group difference. They are the major scientific reviews available on this topic.Īnd a 2022 review was utterly negative: 5 3 Nearly 90 trials were reviewed and determined that this treatment is associated “with a small and clinically irrelevant benefit and an increased risk for serious adverse events.”Ī 2015 review piled on: “did not show clinically important differences.” 4 These are not bogus citations, by the way, and they are not cherry-picked. That 2003 assessment was backed by a bigger 2012 one.

The presence of publication bias suggests even this effect may be overestimated. … has a small effect when compared with … placebo. And the authors of a 2003 summary of this subject for the Journal of the American Medical Association 2 said that injecting synovial fluid into your knee …
#Injections sunovial fluid in knee tv#
I’m no surgeon or scientist, and I don’t even play one on TV … but I can quote them like a boss. It’s clear that the procedure is common simply because the idea of lubricating arthritic knees really sounds like a good idea - so good that it’s done in spite of the fact that it barely works! Twenty years of bad science news about viscosupplementation 1 The actual substances are “hyaluronan” and “hylan” ( Durolane®) which are basically synthetic replacements for the slippery component of the fluid in your joints. It’s common for overzealous orthopaedic surgeons and sports medicine specialists to recommend the injection of artificial “lubricant” into knees and other arthritic joints, or for a “pseudo-arthritis” like patellofemoral syndrome ( PFPS). A single weekly dose over 3 to 5 weeks may be required for optimum benefits.A creaky hinge needs lube. Avoid weight-bearing or strenuous activity involving the joint for the next 48 hours.

Immediately following the injection, you may experience pain, swelling, and warmth, which can be eased by ice applications. The Gel-One is then injected into the knee joint directly. The procedure first involves the removal of any excess joint fluid with a syringe. If you are pregnant, consult with your doctor about the potential risks of using this medication.
#Injections sunovial fluid in knee skin#
Your doctor will assess your medical history which may involve checking for skin or joint infections in the area around the injection site, and circulation problems in the legs before using Gel-One. You should not use hyaluronates if you have any kind of allergies. Hyaluronate injections can relieve pain, improve mobility and delay the need for surgery. Gel-like forms of hyaluronan called hyaluronates or hyaluronic acid may be prepared and injected into the joints to increase their lubricating and shock-absorbing properties. This leads to a loss of cartilage and painful rubbing of the bones in the joints. Osteoarthritis causes synovial fluid to lose its properties by the depletion of a component called hyaluronan. Gel-One is used to treat knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. Gel-One is a synthetic version of the synovial fluid that normally surrounds the joints in our body.

Dr Brite John Chalunkal, Pain Management Physician, Plano, Allen, McKinney, Frisco, Dallas, TX / Patient Info / Pain Management / Gel-One Gel-One What is Gel-One?įor joints in the body to move smoothly they must contain an adequate amount of synovial fluid, which acts as a lubricant and shock absorber.
