Joint Injections
Joint Injections can be used to treat pain and preserve function in patients with arthritis of the hip and knee. Mr Samir Ali Salih provides hip and knee joint injections using either Xray or ultrasound guidance to his patients in accross South Yorkshire including Sheffield, Leeds, and Barnsley. Joint injections can be an excellent alternative to hip or knee replacement helping patients get back to the activities they enjoy
About Joint Injections
Joint injections for hip and knee arthritis aim to treat pain, and improve mobility. It is important to note that there is no strong evidence that joint injections prevent arthritis from progressing, they are however a relatively safe treatment for patients that do not need a joint replacement or do not want a joint replacement. They can make the symptoms of arthritis much more bearable so that patients can get back to the activities that they enjoy.
Image guided joint injections by a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon from £425
When is the right time to consider hip or knee injection
A joint injection is an appropriate treatment for hip and knee arthritis when it has begun to be symptomatic and cause pain and stiffness which may intefere with quality of life.
The best time for a joint injection is likely before arthritis becomes severe. In severe arthritis injections typically are less predictable and may only give short term benefit or no benefit at all. In early to moderate arthritis injections can improve symptoms for up to a year or more.
There is still a role for injections in severe arthritis, for example for patients that do not want surgical treatment, or have medical issues making surgery higher risk an injection can still give some improvement. Also for patients trying to lose weight and get more active before surgery an injection can help give a boost.
What are the different options for joint injections
The best option for a joint injection will depend on your lifestyle, and stage of arthritis, and short term or long term goals.
Steroid Injection
A Steroid injection for hip or knee arthritis is a reliable way to treat pain. the most common steroid is called methylprednisolone or Depo-Medrone. Steroid injections reduce inflammation which is a cause of pain in arthritis. Typically steroid injections are fast to work, but also wear off earlier.
Hyaluronic Acid (Viscosupplementation)
Hyaluronic acid or HA is a substance naturally found in synovial joints such as the hip and knee. It works as a lubricant to help ease joint movement. A common brand is called Ostenil or Ostenil plus. Injections typically take longer to improve symptoms when compared to steroid, typically 4 to 6 weeks, however the effects can last longer, up to a year.
Arthrosamid
Arthrosamid is a non bio-degradable hydrogel that like HA aims to improve the function of joint fluid and increase lubrication. It is a newer treatment than hyaluronic acid and steroids, and as such has less evidence behind it, some evidence suggest it may work longer term in mild to mederate arthritis of the knee, with improvements in symptoms continuing at three years. Arthrosamid in a significant financial, for this reason Mr Salih will complete a consultation with patients considering this treatment and discuss whether this is a an option with a good chance of satisfaction. Arthrosamid is most commonly used in the knee joint for knee arthritis.
Orthobiologics
A wide variety of injections have been, and are used for arthritis of the hip and knee. These include amongst others PRP or platelet rich plasma injections (injecting a component of a patients own blood rich in platelets into the painful joint), and bone marrow concentrate injections. Broadly these are called Ortho-biologics. They do not have as much evidence behind them as steroid injections, and visco-supplementation. Currently Arthritis Specialists do not offer ortho-biologics.
Which is the best option for me?
The best option will depend on your level of symptoms and longer term outlook. Of the injections discussed here prednisolone or steroid injections work the fastest. Visco-supplementation such as hyaluronic acid or Arthrosamid may be longer lasting.
The price of injections can be significant, especially newer treatments such as Arthrosamid. During a consultation with Mr Salih patients can discuss the options in detail, and which option will be most appropriate for their lifestyle and degree of arthritis. Mr Salih will also give an honest opinion of when he feels an injection will be of limited benefit and a poor financial investement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do hip injections hurt?
Hip injections are typically well tolerated, a needle is used similar to blood test, and local anaesthetic is used below the skin to make the injection more comfortable.
What are the advantages to image guided hip injection?
Using image guidance to perform a hip injection confirms that the injection goes into the joint. Typically Xray is used to acheive this. For a deep joint such as the hip this gives the best chance of maximum benefit from the injection.
Is an ultrasound guided knee injection better?
Using ultrasound for knee injections helps guide the injection into the joint cavity, giving the best chance of the injection working.
Is arthrosamid better than a cheaper injections such as steroid or hyaluronic acid?
Arthrosamid is a relatively new treatment that does not have as long a track record as injections such as Ostenil or hyaluronic acid. Some evidence suggests it may give more lasting relief. It may be of most use in early to moderate arthritis of the knee.
How much does a joint injection cost?
Knee injections cost from £375 for a landmark injection and £425 for image guided injection. A consultation fee, and diagnostic Xray fee may be payable in addition to this fee for a first appointment. This treatment is generally covered by medical insurance. Arthrosamid prices start at £2300. For a price estimate please contact the team below
Rapid access hip and knee injections in Sheffield, Leeds, and Barnsley
Mr Samir Ali Salih provides joint injections to patients across South Yorkshire including but not limited to Sheffield, South Leeds, Wakefield, Barnsley, Rotherham, Pensitone and S36 postcodes, Holmfirth and HD8 postcodes. A first appointment usually includes a consultation with a review of Xrays to confirm diagnosis and discuss alternative treatment options. Follow up appointments will depend on how a patient responds, and may be only a repeat injection.