Viscosupplements are a form of hyaluronic acid which is injected into a synovial joint, a bursa, or around a tendon or nerve. There are viscosupplements meant for joints, but also specifically for soft tissues. Viscosupplements for soft tissues are thought to help reduce the pain caused by tendon degeneration or inflammation of tendons, bursae or nerves, and may help improve mobility of the structure.
For information about the post care instructions, click here.
Viscosupplement injections are guided by fluoroscopy (low dose, live x-ray) and x-ray contrast (dye) or Ultrasound to confirm the correct location.
Once you arrive at the clinic you will be asked to complete a few forms pertaining to the appointment. To allow adequate time for this, please arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time. You may be instructed to change into a gown for your procedure.
You will be taken back to a private exam room for your procedure. One of our technologists and a Radiologist will review your previous diagnostic imaging, discuss the reason for your referral to Beam Radiology, and explain the details of the recommended pain management treatment.
Communication is very important to Beam, and you will be given opportunity to ask any questions you may have before beginning. You will be asked to lay down on the exam table on your back or your front with the joint being injected exposed. The targeted area will be cleaned and sterilized. To ensure effectiveness and accuracy, ultrasound or fluoroscopy will be used in real-time to guide the injection. Fluoroscopy is a type of X-ray imaging. The Radiologist will inject a local anaesthetic to numb the area, followed by the viscosupplement.
Following your injection, you will be directed to our recovery area for a brief observation period. One of our Nurses will review the post-procedure care with you, and then you will be free to leave the clinic.
The viscosupplement used for soft tissues is administered in two separate doses approximately one to two weeks apart. It may take up to 4 weeks after the second dose to notice any expected benefit. Pain relief will vary but may last for many months.
This procedure is performed using sterile technique. Very rare complications include allergic reaction, infection, and bleeding.
Keep the area clean and dry. Avoid hot tubs, pools, or baths for 48 hours. You can shower normally.
There are no limitations in activity after this procedure, which is one of the benefits of the viscosupplement for soft tissues.
For information about the post care instructions, click here.
If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please
contact us. We look forward to supporting your journey to better health.
Dr. Clerk is a radiologist and fellowship-trained interventional radiologist with a wide array of experience in both interventional pain management and diagnostic imaging. In addition to providing expert patient care, Dr. Clerk places utmost importance on building a compassionate practice that recognizes patients as people, not numbers.
When you choose Beam, you can be confident that Dr. Clerk will stay with you throughout your care journey and help you make smart decisions about your pain and imaging needs.
Université de Sherbrooke
Medical School
Université de Sherbrooke
Residency | Diagnostic Radiology
Harvard Medical School
Fellowship | Neuroradiology
The Spine Fracture Institute
Fellowship | Interventional Pain Management