What is it?
Viscosupplementation involves injecting a product containing hyaluronic acid, a substance present in synovial fluid, into the joint. The goal is to reduce pain associated with osteoarthritis.
A variable response
Some patients report improvement, but the average benefit is debated. Recommendations are not uniform: NICE advises against this injection in osteoarthritis, and the AAOS does not recommend its routine use. Any proposed treatment should explain this uncertainty.
Individualized discussion
The choice takes into account the discomfort, the assessment, the treatments tried, and your expectations. This injection does not regenerate cartilage. When chosen, it is part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Preparing the decision
Ask which product would be used, how many injections would be considered, when to assess the result, and what the remaining cost would be. The protocol depends on the product and the clinical situation.
Your questions.
Is it the same as cortisone?+
No. These are different products. Their usefulness depends on the context, and there is no mandatory order for their use.