What is hyaluronic acid?
What is osteoarthritis?
As we age, the cartilage that protects the ends of our bones may break down. Hyaluronic acid levels in our joints may decrease, resulting in reduced lubrication and shock absorption.
Why hyaluronic acid joint injections?
Hyaluronic acid injections closely resemble the hyaluronic acid found in normal joint fluid. Hyaluronic acid joint injections may provide pain relief for patients with osteoarthritis by helping to improve lubrication and shock absorption in their joints.
How are hyaluronic acid joint injections given?
The Specialists at Quantum Medical Imaging clean your skin with antiseptic before injecting local anaesthetic to minimise discomfort. They use a CT scanner to precisely guide the injection of hyaluronic acid into the correct part of your joint. A total of three hyaluronic acid injections are given every two weeks over four weeks.
What do I need to do after receiving hyaluronic acid joint injections?
You need to avoid strenuous activity for 48 hours following each of the three joint injections.
What are the potential benefits?
Clinical studies show that 80% of patients with knee pain due to osteoarthritis experienced reduced pain and improved function after a course of three hyaluronic acid joint injections. Hyaluronic acid injections may relieve osteoarthritis pain for six months or more.
What are the possible side effects?
Side effects at the injection site are usually mild and may include pain, swelling or tenderness. Applying ice to the injection site may reduce side effects. Systemic side effects are also usually mild and may include nausea or fatigue. Side effects typically resolve within 24 hours. You should seek medical advice if you develop fevers, or if side effects persist more than 48 hours after injection.
Who should not have hyaluronic acid joint injections?
You should not have hyaluronic acid joint injections if you are allergic to hyaluronic acid, have a joint infection, or have a skin disease surrounding your joint. Hyaluronic acid joint injections have not been tested in children, pregnant or breastfeeding women.
How much do hyaluronic acid joint injections cost?
Quantum Medical Imaging bulk bill courses of three hyaluronic acid joint injections for patients with osteoarthritis who have a Medicare card and a referral from a General Practitioner or Specialist.
Why Quantum Medical Imaging?
- The Specialists at Quantum Medical Imaging use brand-new state-of-the-art digital x-ray, ultrasound or low-dose CT to determine if you have osteoarthritis before you receive hyaluronic acid joint injections.
- The Specialists at Quantum Medical Imaging use a CT scanner to precisely guide the injection of hyaluronic acid into the correct part of your joint, maximising potential benefits, and reducing possible discomfort.
- The Specialists at Quantum Medical Imaging give a complete course of three hyaluronic acid joint injections for maximum benefit.
- Quantum Medical Imaging bulk bill courses of three hyaluronic acid joint injections for patients with osteoarthritis who have a Medicare card and a referral from a General Practitioner or Specialist.
What do I do from here?
- Your General Practitioner or Specialist may refer you to Quantum Medical Imaging for an x-ray, ultrasound or CT of your joint to determine if you have osteoarthritis.
- Discuss with your General Practitioner or Specialist whether hyaluronic acid joint injections are right for you.
- Contact us for an appointment.