Viscosupplements

Viscosupplements are injections of hyaluronic acid into a joint. Viscosupplements like Ostenil® Plus treat the symptoms of osteoarthritis, decreasing pain and stiffness and improving movement.

Hyaluronic acid is a substance that naturally occurs in your joints. When injected into the fluid-filled space in a joint, the hyaluronic acid acts as a shock absorber and lubricant, helping the bones move more smoothly over each other.

The London Orthopaedic Clinic offers hyaluronic acid injections by world-renowned consultant orthopaedic surgeons and pain management specialists. The injections are administered using ultrasound guidance to precisely target treatment, reduce complications and optimise your results.

What are viscosupplements?

Viscosupplements are innovative injectable treatments for osteoarthritis. The specialist can inject them into any synovial joint, which includes most of the joints in your body. In a synovial joint, the ends of the bones are wrapped in a capsule that contains a thick, slippery liquid called synovial fluid. Examples include the knees, hips and shoulders.

Viscosupplements are often known as shock-absorbing injections, but they do more than that name indicates. Hyaluronic acid is an essential component of synovial fluid, helping it facilitate joint movement. Synovial fluid works to:

  • Separate the bones, protecting their cartilage cushions from damage.
  • Act as a shock absorber.
  • Lubricate the joint.
  • Act as a filter, blocking harmful substances but letting essential nutrition reach the cartilage.

    In a healthy joint, old hyaluronic acid is broken down, and new hyaluronic is produced. If you have osteoarthritis, there is disruption of this delicate balance. The body breaks down more hyaluronic acid than it can make, and the synovial fluid becomes watery and less effective.

    In osteoarthritis, the cartilage in the joint becomes thin, ragged and uneven. The thinning of the synovial fluid and cartilage degeneration can lead to bone rubbing against bone causing pain, stiffness and swelling.

    A hyaluronic acid injection can boost the hyaluronic acid in your joints, providing safe and effective relief from the symptoms of arthritis without surgery.

What is Ostenil® Plus?

Ostenil® Plus is a brand of hyaluronic acid injection that has been designed to be as effective as possible in treating osteoarthritis. The hyaluronic acid is manufactured using fermentation, creating a very pure product. It is free from animal proteins, which reduces the risk of triggering an allergic reaction.

Ostenil® Plus contains a sugar derivative called mannitol, which lets the hyaluronic acid work more efficiently and last longer. Most patients notice a reduction in pain and arthritis symptoms for several months after a single Ostenil® Plus injection.

Hyaluronic acid has been demonstrated to be safe in trials; you can have a repeat injection if needed. Alternatively, your consultant may recommend a course of more than one injection, depending on your needs.

Who can benefit from viscosupplements?

Visosupplements are effective non-surgical treatments for osteoarthritis. If you have pain, stiffness and swelling in your knees, hips or shoulders, a hyaluronic acid injection can relieve pain and improve your joint function without surgery.

Our experienced consultant orthopaedic surgeons and pain management specialists provide comprehensive assessment, investigation, diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal pain. If you are unsure what therapy you need, they can give an expert opinion and tailor a treatment programme for your needs.

About the procedure

What are the alternatives to viscosupplement injections?

The London Orthopaedic Clinic offers a comprehensive range of non-surgical treatments for osteoarthritis, including the very latest novel injections.

Alternatives to viscosupplement injections include:

If injectable treatments and other conservative treatments are not effectively controlling your symptoms, the highly-skilled orthopaedic surgeons at The London Orthopaedic Clinic can also operate to reduce pain and restore joint mobility.

Viscosupplement treatment costs

Viscosupplement injections are cutting-edge treatments for arthritis that are not yet widely available on the NHS. The London Orthopaedic Clinic offers competitive packages for self-paying patients. Contact a member of our friendly team on 020 7186 1000 or at info@londonorthopaedic.com to find out more.