This non-operative, outpatient procedure is designed to provide relief for patients with arthritis of the knee. The technique allows the physician to inject the pain relieving drug Hyalgan with maximum accuracy.
Preparation
The physician swabs the knee, injects a numbing medication and positions a special X-ray device called a fluoroscope.
Injecting the Dye
To make sure the medicine injection gets to the space inside the joint, the physician first uses an injection of dye. The dye shows up on the fluoroscope image. If the dye pools in the soft tissue at the front of the knee, the physician adjusts the needle placement. When the dye reaches the target area – the space inside the joint – the physician is ready to inject the medication.
Injecting the Medication
The rear of the syringe is removed from the needle and a Hyalgan-filled syringe is attached. The physician injects the medication into the joint. The Hyalgan will bond with the fluid in the knee to cushion and lubricate the joint. A physical therapist will use rehabilitation procedures to enhance the effects of the medication.