Sodium Hyaluronate Injections

​Sodium hyaluronate is a gel-like substance made up of hyaluronan (hyaluronic acid) used to treat osteoarthritis. Hyaluronan is naturally present in synovial joint fluid, acting as the body’s natural lubricant and shock absorber.

 

​Sodium hyaluronate injections act as an artificial lubricant, supplementing an arthritic joint’s own synovial fluid. The goal is to reduce and potentially eliminate pain in a subset of patients who have not responded adequately to conservative therapies or other simple injections. The additional lubrication aims to protect the cartilage, thereby reducing inflammation and associated pain. 

 

​The skin is prepared using an antiseptic agent, followed by the administration of a local anaesthetic. Using a CT (Computed Tomography) scanner for precise guidance, the needle is rapidly and accurately delivered into the joint space. Once position is confirmed, the sodium hyaluronate is injected and a small dressing is applied. Discomfort during the procedure is typically minor, as the needle used is thin, local anaesthetic is applied, and CT guidance ensures the process is swift.

​Each injection procedure takes approximately five minutes. Treatment is typically administered over a series of 3 visits, each performed 1–2 weeks apart. Noticeable improvement from sodium hyaluronate injections is generally evident around 8 weeks following the initial injection.

 

​As with all medical procedures, there are risks associated with administering any medication or joint injection. For most patients, the potential benefit of pain relief outweighs the risk of experiencing side effects (outlined below). The decision to proceed with a sodium hyaluronate injection is carefully made by your referring doctor based on your specific diagnosis and clinical needs.

 

Allergic reaction to any substances utilised during the procedure, such as the dressing, local anaesthetic, or antiseptic. These reactions are usually minor and self-limiting.

 

Infection is a rare but serious complication (<0.1%), particularly when injecting into a joint. Most joint infections take at least 24 to 48 hours to manifest, so increasing pain at the injection site after 48 hours may indicate an infection until proven otherwise. Even if not definitively proven, empirical antibiotic treatment may be commenced.

​Transient increase in pain at the injection site

A temporary flare-up or increase in pain at the injection site can occur before the treatment takes effect. While occasionally severe, this typically lasts only 24–48 hours and can be managed with a cold pack, paracetamol, and/or anti-inflammatory medications. If severe pain persists despite these measures, please contact your referring doctor promptly for evaluation and management.

 

​Yes. Because sodium hyaluronate injections are used to manage osteoarthritis symptoms, they are optional/elective procedures. Alternative options should be discussed with your referring doctor and may include oral anti-inflammatory medications, tailored exercise programs, physiotherapy, or surgical interventions. The role of our radiologist is to perform the procedure requested by your referring doctor to ensure the medication is injected safely and accurately into the targeted joint.

 

​Following a sodium hyaluronate injection, you may experience minor local discomfort. You will be able to walk after the procedure and will be observed in the clinic for approximately five minutes. Provided you feel well, you may then be discharged to resume most normal activities, guided by your comfort level. You will require someone to drive you home after the appointment. By the following day, you may return to work and gradually increase your physical activity as appropriate.

 

​A radiologist—a medical doctor specialising in the interpretation of medical images—will review the scan and provide a formal written report. If your case is medically urgent, or if you have an immediate follow-up appointment with your treating practitioner, New Medical Imaging Clinic will prepare your results without delay. Otherwise, the report will be transmitted to your referring clinician within 24 hours.

 

​Please ensure you schedule a follow-up appointment with your referring doctor or healthcare provider to review your results and discuss the ongoing management plan.