Hyaluronan
Hyaluronic acid is found in synovial fluid, protect joints, the help function and has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. In most cases does not require hospitalization and its effects are durable and long-term. Hyaluronic acid injections are a novel therapeutic option.
What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid (glycosaminoglycan sintético) it is a natural substance found in synovial fluid of joints. It acts as a lubricant to enable bones to move smoothly and as a buffer force to be supported by the joint, so that, for example, helps knee menisci and ligaments to perform its function.
How to manage
It is administered by intra-articular injection. Hyaluronic acid for administration preparing stabilized (3 ml for large joints and 1 a 2 ml for medium and small joints).
This preparation is injected into the joint. This allows a single infiltration with the improvement in the symptoms can last from 6 and 8 months, unlike other treatment regimens that require three to five injections in a shorter period of time.
In order to prevent infections performed in strict aseptic conditions: sterile gloves, assistant to provide utensils, washing the skin with alcohol or antiseptic solution.
Should not be injected if the joint or skin are very inflamed or infected. Should not be injected if skin wounds in the area of injection.
It should only be injected into the joint. Do not inject intravascularly, we extraarticular, Nor must be injected into the tissue or in the synovium.
This infiltration is performed on an outpatient. No anesthesia is required and the patient can go home within a few hours.
In joints such as the hips or joints of the vertebrae of the spine infiltration should be guided by imaging techniques (the arthroscopic ultrasound), so as to deposit the product in the right place and prevent damage to surrounding vital joints, so it is preferably performed in OR.
It should only be injected by authorized medical personnel familiar with the techniques of intraarticular injection of the synovial joint to be treated. The technique should be performed in appropriate facilities for intra-articular injections.
Effects of hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid has an immediate analgesic effect. After the injection you may notice a local reaction, as pain, calor o hinchazón leve, but these symptoms disappear quickly. If administered in the Cader PIERNAS, during the first 48 hours should prevent leg support too much weight, should not stand too long, running or lifting heavy objects.
However, Long-term pain decrease because hyaluronic acid has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. The injections also stimulate the body's own hyaluronic acid producing. The benefits of hyaluronic acid effects can last several months.
When therapy is indicated to hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is indicated for the symptomatic treatment of mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee and hip, in the symptomatic treatment of pain of mild to moderate osteoarthritis in the ankle, shoulder, elbow, wrist, fingers and toes and jaw joints and spine.
It can also be used after an arthroscopy to improve postoperative pain and maintain joint protected.
Risks
Intra-articular injection of hyaluronic acid can cause local reactions such as redness, pruritus, edema and pain. These reactions are usually very weak or nonexistent. More often a feeling of distension of the joint that can cause some discomfort the first few days.
Precautions
Use cautiously in patients suffering venous or lymphatic stasis in the leg (stagnation of blood or other fluid).
It has not been tested in pregnant or lactating or children.
It should not be injected if the patient is allergic to products containing hyaluronic acid.
Use cautiously in patients suffering condrocalcinosis (the articular chondrocalcinosis is a disease caused by deposition of calcium pyrophosphate crystals in articular cartilage or fibrocartilage), because the product could trigger an acute attack of the disease.
In case of effusion, spillage must be emptied prior to infiltration.
After infiltration of hyaluronic acid
The purpose of this technique is viscosupplementation of joint fluid to relieve pain and reduce inflammation, thus improving the functional capacity of patients.
After injection must be kept standing for 24 the 48 hours.
FAQ
- How should I prepare before I have an infiltration of hyaluronic? ¿Me Dolera?
You simply clean the area, even before the doctor will apply an antiseptic solution injection. The pain can be supported because it is a very fine needle, however, required if the patient can add only a local anesthetic for the skin. Sometimes there is a feeling of fullness in the joint after complete infiltration.
- What should I do if I become red or swollen affected area?
Should immediately go to the emergency, or the physician who infiltrated if possible, to assess whether it is initiating an infection.
- Do you need local anesthesia?
Not required. However, you can apply a local anesthetic.
- Will I be able to walk out on my own feet?
You can walk, although it is recommended reduce some activity during the first three days.
- ¿Need to accompany me?
Many elderly patients come alone and leave alone knee recovered ("I notice as if walking on a soft pillow" commented a patient).
- Should I go on fasting?
No need to go fasting.
- What do I do after infiltration?
Reduce activity for about three days.