Knee replacement

Has anyone had or heard of injecting a fluid into the knee instead of a replacement?

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Hi there, I've had steroids in the knee and fluid drained from it x

[hatshepsut]

Yes, went to a lecture at Scottish rheumatology doctors conference, a professor had just completed a research project doing this, results were very good. If it was available to me I would take it instead of the new knee I'm about to have!!! Will try to find my notes to get his name. M x

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I also have to have a replacement so Ive been interested in research in this area. From what I can see, the two main 'fluid' injections for OA in the knee are PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) and HA (Hyaluronic Acid).

- PRP is painful when injected and is better for tendonitis and bursitis. The jury is still out on the results as some say it works and others say there is no difference between the PRP and the placebo.

- HA works on improving the synovial fluid in the knee to reduce pain and improve mobility so I think your doc might mean this injection.

There are always differing opinions and studies can often be conflicting but in 2003 the AU govt denied an official funding request for HA injections because there was only poor evidence to say it worked. I've looked up subsequent trials and I couldnt see anything to alter that opinion but a small percentage seem to get a few yrs relief before it goes bad again so it could be worth trying.

I had an osteotomy at 18yrs old because of arthritis in my knee and was told I would need a replacement by 30 however I had several chondroplasty/arthroscopic ops and was able to delay my knee replacement till now (i'm 57). Its severe now and I have an awful gait but Im happy mine responded to the smaller ops. If you are lucky, these injections might be the thing you respond to, you never know and if your ortho is keen then its worth your researching it.

[earthwitch]

I did read an interesting paper recently that was comparing the effectiveness of steroids and other things injected in joints, and I think I am right in saying that it had discovered from some research that injecting pretty much anything (even saline) into joints gives relief, and that maybe steroids aren't much more use than other things. I'll try and find the article again.

[Someonesmother]

This may be what you are after

regenexx.com/the-regenexx-p...

[DrWhoFan]

I have had my knees aspirated and steroid injection (was only told it was steroids) three times. Worked for a while, but the last time was November 2013 and it needs doing again! Anne

[pdp1134]

For me the injections worked twice and then failed to have any impact. I have since had double knee replacement. Since that, I've had an ankle fusion. The surgical fixes worked. The injections just put off the inevitable.

[lorann]

Yes, but it isn't really "instead of", more like a delay. It often can prolong surgery for months or even a year or more, if taken correctly. There is a series of 3 injections, the doctor will determine how far apart these can be. It helps to cushion the joint where there is "bone on bone" friction. It is hyaluronic acid, for the life of me this very minute, cannot recall the brand name. But worth a try. xxx

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Thank you to everyone who responded to my query about knee injections