Intra-articular Injections for Primary Knee Osteoarthritis

Authors

Jenny Macek, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Orthopedic Surgery

Advisor

Dr. Sarah Bolander, DMSc, MMS, PA-C, DFAAPA

Abstract

Osteoarthritis is one of the hundreds of types of arthritis and is the most common type that affects millions of people worldwide. Any joint in the body can be affected, but the most commonly affected is the knee. Through the course of the disease, patients soon reach their threshold with conservative management. These patients have likely already tried and failed multiple topical and oral medication options or are limited in their choices due to their other medical co-morbidities. At this point, intra-articular joint injections are commonly used to manage OA or at least temporarily reduce the symptoms until surgical intervention is discussed. There are currently multiple options for intra-articular injections with the commonly used injections including corticosteroid and hyaluronic acid (HA) injections ranging in formulations and dosing options. These have become the standard of care. Newer intra-articular injections that are gaining more interest include platelet-rich plasma (PRP), prolotherapy, and stem-cell therapy. Even newer clinical trials that have been focusing on disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs (DMOADs) compared to those only providing symptomatic relief.

Recommended Citation

Macek J. Intra-articular Injections for Primary Knee Osteoarthritis. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2022; 4(3).