Knee
Ultrasound-guided injections
Hyaluronic acid placed with ultrasound precision inside the joint.
How it is performed
Hyaluronic acid acts as a lubricant and shock absorber for the joint, improving the gliding of the surfaces and reducing weight-bearing pain. Ultrasound allows verification that the needle has actually entered the joint space, drainage of any effusion, and deposition of the medication exactly where needed. This is an ultrasound-guided procedure under local anaesthesia, repeatable according to an agreed schedule.
Who it is for
- Mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis
- Pain and stiffness on weight-bearing and with first steps
- Need to delay or avoid repeated use of corticosteroids
Recovery
No downtime: you can walk immediately, avoiding intense sport for 48 hours. Benefit develops over the following weeks and can last several months.
Conditions treated in this area: knee osteoarthritis (gonarthrosis), persistent pain after knee replacement, chronic tendinopathies, refractory anteromedial pain.
Scientific evidence
Network meta-analyses comparing different intra-articular injections in knee osteoarthritis show that hyaluronic acid provides a more lasting benefit on pain and function than corticosteroid at follow-up from 6 months onward, with a good safety profile.
References on PubMed
- Platelet-Rich Plasma, Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate, and Hyaluronic Acid Injections Outperform Corticosteroids in Pain and Function Scores at a Minimum of 6 Months: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis
Jawanda H, Khan ZA, et al. — Arthroscopy, 2024 · PMID 38331363
- Efficacy and safety of corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, and PRP and combination therapy for knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Qiao X, Yan L, et al. — BMC Musculoskelet Disord, 2023 · PMID 38037038
Published data describe average results in groups of patients and are not a prediction of an individual outcome. The indication for treatment must always be assessed during a consultation.
Want to know if it is right for you?
At the first consultation we review your clinical history and previous imaging together.