Orthopedic Injections

What Are Orthopedic Injections Used For?

Orthopedic injections deliver therapeutic substances directly to affected joints and surrounding tissues to treat musculoskeletal disorders. They effectively reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and improve mobility in patients with conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, and tendinitis.

These injections serve as important intermediate interventions when conventional treatments fail but before surgical options are considered. They help patients maintain functionality and quality of life while following a conservative management approach.

How Long Do Results Last?

The effectiveness of orthopedic injections varies based on the type of injection, condition severity, and individual factors. Hyaluronic acid typically provides 3–6 months of relief, sometimes extending to 12 months. Corticosteroid injections last from weeks to three months, while PRP may deliver benefits for 6–12 months.

For optimal outcomes, practitioners should consider not only the product used but also precise technique and post-procedure care. Combining injections with physical therapy often yields more sustainable results.

Types of Orthopaedic Treatments

Hyaluronic Acid Injection

Hyaluronic acid injections, also known as viscosupplementation, represent a significant advancement in joint therapy. These products contain a naturally occurring substance similar to the synovial fluid found in healthy joints. When administered into osteoarthritic joints, particularly knees, hyaluronic acid acts as both a lubricant and shock absorber, improving joint mechanics and reducing pain.

Modern hyaluronic acid formulations are derived from either avian sources or produced through biofermentation processes. The molecular weight of the hyaluronic acid compounds varies between products, with high molecular weight formulations generally providing longer-lasting effects and enhanced viscoelastic properties.

Corticosteroid Injection

Corticosteroid injection therapy delivers potent anti-inflammatory agents directly to the affected joint or tissue. These injections rapidly suppress local inflammation by inhibiting inflammatory mediators, providing effective short-term relief for patients with acute inflammatory conditions or flare-ups of chronic disorders.

Medical professionals should note that while corticosteroid injections deliver rapid symptomatic improvement, repeated administration may potentially contribute to cartilage degradation over time. Current clinical guidelines typically recommend limiting these injections to 3-4 times annually in the same joint to minimize potential adverse effects on tissue integrity.

Placental Tissue Matrix Injection

Placental tissue matrix treatments represent an emerging regenerative therapy utilizing processed amniotic or placental tissues. These specialized injections contain a rich array of growth factors, cytokines, and structural proteins that promote tissue repair and modulate inflammatory responses.

This therapeutic approach has gained significant traction in sports medicine and for treating chronic joint conditions, particularly in cases where conventional treatments have yielded suboptimal results. The bioactive components in these matrices help create a favorable environment for healing while potentially supporting tissue regeneration.

Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy utilizes a concentrated preparation of the patient’s own platelets to stimulate healing and tissue regeneration. The process involves drawing the patient’s blood, processing it to isolate and concentrate platelets, and then injecting this autologous preparation into the affected area.

PRP injections deliver a high concentration of growth factors and bioactive proteins that support cellular recruitment, proliferation, and matrix formation. This modality has shown particular promise in treating tendon and ligament injuries, early-stage arthritis, and certain musculoskeletal injuries where enhanced healing is desired.

Orthopedic Injectable Brands

When you buy orthopedic injections online, you’ll encounter several established brands, each with unique characteristics:

• ORTHOVISC®: High molecular weight hyaluronic acid derived through bio-fermentation, administered in a three-injection series for knee osteoarthritis.
• EUFLEXXA®: Non-avian hyaluronic acid produced through bio-fermentation, offering highly purified sodium hyaluronate for knee osteoarthritis management.
• SYNVISC®: Cross-linked hyaluronic acid derivative providing viscoelastic supplementation, available in both three-injection and single-injection (SYNVISC-ONE®) formulations.
• SUPARTZ®: Purified sodium hyaluronate extracted from chicken combs, delivered in a five-injection protocol for knee osteoarthritis.
• MONOVISC®: Single-injection, cross-linked hyaluronic acid treatment providing six months of osteoarthritis pain relief.
• DUROLANE®: Stabilized hyaluronic acid manufactured using NASHA® technology, offering a single-injection option with extended residency time.
• CRESPINE® GEL PLUS: High concentration of cross-linked hyaluronic acid designed for enhanced durability and prolonged therapeutic effect.
• CINGAL®: Combination product containing both hyaluronic acid and corticosteroid for immediate and sustained relief of osteoarthritis symptoms.

Orthopedic Injections Administration Technique

The administration of orthopedic injections requires precise technique to ensure optimal therapeutic outcomes. Professional practitioners should follow a standardized protocol that includes:

1. Thorough patient assessment and selection of appropriate injection type based on clinical presentation
2. Proper positioning of the patient to ensure optimal access to the target joint or tissue
3. Meticulous aseptic preparation of the injection site to minimize infection risk
4. Optional use of local anesthetic for patient comfort during the procedure
5. Precise needle placement, potentially utilizing ultrasound guidance for complex or deep injections
6. Slow, controlled delivery of the therapeutic substance
7. Post-injection recommendations for activity modification and follow-up care

It is imperative to note that these procedures should only be performed by licensed healthcare professionals with appropriate training in musculoskeletal medicine and injection techniques.

Orthopedic Injections Side Effects

While generally safe, orthopedic injections may cause some adverse effects. Common side effects include temporary pain, swelling, or stiffness at the injection site that resolve within 24-48 hours, and minor bruising.

Less common are post-injection flares with increased pain and inflammation lasting up to 72 hours, which typically respond well to conservative management.

Rare but serious complications include joint infection (septic arthritis) and allergic reactions to the injected material, which may require immediate medical intervention.