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Mar 15, 2025

Journal Watch: STEP Guidelines and Understanding Viscosupplementation for Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee pain affects tens of millions of people in the United States annually. The pain can be disabling and often negatively impacts the patient’s quality of life and function.

Viscosupplementation, or hyaluronic acid (HA) injections, is a treatment option for knee osteoarthritis that aims to improve joint lubrication and reduce pain. However, recent studies highlight some critical insights:

The American Society of Pain and Neuroscience recently published Consensu Guidelines on interventional therapies
for knee pain. The purpose of these guidelines was to consolidate into one document the evidence for various modalities available, ranging from medication and physical therapy to interventional treatments and joint arthroplasty.

Consensus Points - Key Take Away

  1. No Single Product is Superior – Research shows that all FDA-approved HA injections provide similar benefits. There is no conclusive evidence favoring one brand over another.
  2. Single vs. Series of Injections – Studies indicate that a single injection is as effective as a multi-injection series. This means fewer doctor visits with comparable outcomes, making it a practical and cost-effective choice for many patients.

  3. Expected Outcomes – Pain relief from HA injections typically occurs within weeks and can last several months, though results vary by individual. These injections are best suited for mild to moderate osteoarthritis and may not be effective for advanced cases.

Who Can Benefit?

Viscosupplementation may be a good option for those:

  • Seeking alternatives to surgery
  • Not responding well to physical therapy or oral pain medications
  • Experiencing mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis

Making an Informed Decision

While viscosupplementation can provide relief, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Consulting a healthcare provider is essential to determine if this treatment aligns with your needs.

Next Steps

If knee pain is limiting your lifestyle understanding your options can help you take proactive steps toward better joint health and mobility. Learn more at:


(781) 591-7855

info@BSBortho.com

20 Walnut St

Suite 14

Wellesley MA 02481


References:

  1. Hunter CW, Deer TR, Jones MR, Chang Chien GC, D'Souza RS, Davis T, Eldon ER, Esposito MF, Goree JH, Hewan-Lowe L, Maloney JA, Mazzola AJ, Michels JS, Layno-Moses A, Patel S, Tari J, Weisbein JS, Goulding KA, Chhabra A, Hassebrock J, Wie C, Beall D, Sayed D, Strand N. Consensus Guidelines on Interventional Therapies for Knee Pain (STEP Guidelines) from the American Society of Pain and Neuroscience. J Pain Res. 2022 Sep 8;15:2683-2745.

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