Specialized Elbow Care in Colorado Springs

Viscosupplementation for Elbow Arthritis

Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group

Your elbow connects the upper and lower arm and plays an important role in lifting, reaching, gripping, and other everyday movements. Elbow injuries and conditions can result from sports, repetitive use, trauma, arthritis, or problems affecting the tendons, nerves, and surrounding tissues.

At CSOG, our specialists provide comprehensive care for a wide range of elbow conditions, including tendon injuries, nerve compression, instability, arthritis, fractures, and sports-related injuries. Treatment is based on your diagnosis and may range from conservative care and physical therapy to injections, minimally invasive procedures, and surgery.

Our goal is to identify the source of your elbow problem and provide an individualized treatment approach that helps relieve pain, restore movement and strength, and return you to your normal activities.

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What is Viscosupplementation for Elbow Arthritis?

Viscosupplementation is a minimally invasive procedure that involves the injection of a hyaluronic acid preparation into the elbow joint to treat arthritis. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance which is present in the joint fluid that acts as a shock absorber and enhances lubrication.

What are the Indications for Viscosupplementation for Elbow Arthritis?

Viscosupplementation is mainly indicated to treat pain and swelling in the elbow joint caused due to arthritis that is not relieved by other conservative measures such as over-the-counter pain medications or corticosteroid injections.

What is Anatomy of the Elbow?

The elbow is a complex hinge joint that is formed by the articulation of three bones, the humerus, radius, and ulna. The humerus or the upper arm bone connects the shoulder to the elbow. The lower arm consists of two bones, the ulna, and radius. These bones connect the wrist to the elbow. The three joints of the elbow are the ulnohumeral joint, the radiohumeral joint, and the proximal radioulnar joint. The elbow is held in place with the support of soft tissues including cartilage, tendons, ligaments, muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and bursae.

What is the Procedure for Viscosupplementation for Elbow Arthritis?

The procedure of viscosupplementation for elbow arthritis involves the following:

• Your doctor will clean the site of the injection.
• Local anesthesia will be injected near the elbow joint.
• Imaging guidance may be used by your doctor to inject the targeted site.
• Any excess fluid will be aspirated from the joint if necessary.
• Your doctor will inject hyaluronic acid preparation into the elbow joint.
• A bandage will then be placed on the injection site.

What Do Post-procedure Instructions for Viscosupplementation for Elbow Arthritis Involve?

Post-procedure instructions for viscosupplementation for elbow arthritis include:

• Your doctor will advise you to apply ice to reduce pain and swelling.
• Avoid lifting heavy weights and performing strenuous activities for a few weeks.

What are the Risks and Complications of Viscosupplementation for Elbow Arthritis?

Risks and complications of viscosupplementation for elbow arthritis include:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Redness
• Allergy reaction