PROCEDURES
JOINT INFILTRATIONS (SUPLASYN)

Joint infiltrations, commonly known as steroid injections, are a non-invasive treatment method used to relieve joint pain and restore mobility affected by inflammation due to arthritis, injury and degeneration. This non-surgical procedure is recommended as treatment by Dr Joubert as it can be a successful method to enhance quality of life as the pain relief can last from days to years, allowing patients to endure physical therapy or heal without pain.

WHY MIGHT JOINT INFILTRATIONS BE NEEDED?

These injections may be beneficial for those who suffer from inflammatory disease, such as arthritis and gout, which cause cartilage to wear and the liquid inside healthy joints to lose its elasticity. These conditions usually lead to the rubbing of bone on bone causing significant pain when moving the joint. These injections may also be used to reduce pain in such joints, allowing for better mobility. Joint infiltrations of suplasyn are used for joint facets in the spine for back pain as well as for pain in the joints of the shoulder, elbow, hand, hip, knee, ankle and foot.

HOW ARE JOINT INFILTRATIONS ADMINISTERED?

Joint infiltrations of suplasyn are injected directly into the joint itself. Joint injections usually involve a corticosteroid and an anesthetic, but suplasyn is a sterile sodium hyaluronate solution which has proved effective in pain management and improvement in physical function of osteoarthritis. Patients are able to feel the effects of joint infiltrations a few days after the procedure. Since it isn’t certain how long the effects of the injection may last it is recommended that patients track their pain level to monitor when the injection may be wearing off. If the injection was helpful, the procedure may be repeated, but if pain wasn’t relieved Dr Joubert may suggest surgical treatment instead.