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Intra-articular injections

About the procedure
When intra-articular injection is prescribed
Types of intra-articular injections
Indications
Contraindications
Preparation
How is the procedure

Joint pain is a condition that significantly limits everyday or training activity, brings physical and emotional suffering, and reduces the quality of life. Diagnosis of the causes of joint pain and treatment of the detected pathology can take a long time, during which the patient has to struggle with the pain syndrome. Intra-articular injections into the shoulder, hip, and knee joints help to significantly alleviate the condition.

About the procedure

The advantage of intra—articular injection is the high bioavailability of the drug, which targets the source of inflammation. At the same time, there is no systemic effect on the body, the gastrointestinal tract and liver are not exposed to drug stress, the risks of complications and side effects are minimized.

The effect of the injection is felt by the patient almost immediately after the procedure. In some cases, with the introduction of corticosteroids, a short–term increase in pain is possible, but after 1-2 days the pain syndrome completely disappears. The effect persists for several weeks to several months, in some cases for up to a year. If necessary, intra–articular injections can be repeated every 4-5 months.

When intra-articular injection is prescribed

Intra—articular injection is an injection that involves injecting a therapeutic drug directly into the joint. Intra-articular injections are used in the treatment of osteoarthritis, inflammatory processes in joints that are accompanied by limited mobility and pain. Injections are indicated for joints that experience the greatest stress: shoulder, elbow, hip, ankle, knee.

Intra-articular drug administration is a generally accepted method of conservative treatment of arthrosis of joints.

Types of intra-articular injections

Injections can be performed for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. For diagnosis, the liquid contents of the joint are taken through the puncture, which is then sent for histological, cytological analysis or sent for bacterial analysis.

If the injection is performed for therapeutic purposes, the drug is selected according to the indications:

  1. Hyaluronic acid. This substance is a part of the synovial fluid contained in the knee joint, which performs the function of joint lubrication and also absorbs shock loads. The introduction of hyaluronic acid makes the synovial fluid thicker, that is, it allows it to more effectively protect the articulation and cartilage from premature wear. Injections of hyaluronic acid help to relieve swelling, reduce pain, and restore the full range of joint movement.
  2. Hydrocortisone. A hormonal drug (glucocorticoid) of natural origin, which allows you to regulate the immune response, that is, reduces the inflammatory response, affects the mediators of pain and fever. Hormonal drugs have many contraindications, however, when administered intra-articularly, they do not have a systemic effect.
  3. Chondroprotectors. Drugs that help reduce inflammation and restore the normal structure of cartilage tissue.

Also, painkillers, antibiotics, platelet-rich plasma of the patient and other medicines can be administered using the intraarticular method according to indications.

Indications

Intra-articular injections are prescribed for conditions associated with the development of inflammatory processes in joints and other tissues:

  • arthritis (rheumatoid, psoriatic, gouty, etc.);

  • bursitis;

  • tunnel syndrome;

  • osteoarthritis;

  • joint pain of unknown origin;

  • degenerative processes in cartilage;

  • in the postoperative period

Contraindications

The list of contraindications may vary depending on which drug is prescribed for administration (hyaluronic acid, corticosteroids, etc.). Absolute contraindications include severe systemic diseases, including:

  • blood clotting disorders;

  • oncopathology;

  • decompensated diabetes mellitus;

  • infectious arthritis.

It is also recommended to postpone the procedure in case of an acute infectious or inflammatory process, increased body temperature, or open skin lesions in the area of surgery.

Preparation

Preparation for the procedure in the clinic includes interviewing and physical examination of the patient, examination of his medical history and identification of contraindications. You should definitely inform your doctor about the medications you are taking on an ongoing basis — some of them will be recommended to be discontinued a few days before the procedure. You should also notify your doctor about all existing chronic diseases. Before surgery, tests may be performed to rule out allergic reactions.

How is the procedure

As a rule, intra-articular injections do not cause painful sensations, however, if necessary, local anesthesia can be used. Stages of the procedure:

  1. The knee joint and the injection site are treated with antiseptic solutions.
  2. Under the influence of local anesthesia, the doctor gently inserts a thin needle into the joint cavity.
  3. Slowly, so as not to cause discomfort to the patient, the drug is injected through a syringe.
  4. The needle is carefully removed, and the injection site is treated with an antiseptic.
  5. An aseptic bandage is applied.

Intra-articular injections at the European Medical Center are performed by highly qualified doctors using the safest and most effective drugs.


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