What are Ostenil Plus injections?
Ostenil Plus is a single injection hyaluronic acid viscosupplement that is used to treat the pain and symptoms associated with Osteoarthritis. It’s a non-animal derived, non-crosslinked, physiological injectable which is the safest and most effective on the market. It’s why it’s the most popular product across both the NHS and private sectors in the UK.
How does Ostenil Plus injection work?
Ostenil Plus contains Hyaluronic acid (HA), this is a substance similar to synovial fluid, which occurs naturally in joints and helps to lubricate and protect against shock and stress.
In which conditions is Ostenil Plus commonly used?
Although Ostenil Plus can be used in osteoarthritis of many joints, however, it is most commonly used in knee and hip arthritis. This helps to reduce the symptoms including pain and discomfort. It also helps to improve the joint function and facilitate rehabilitation.
How long do the effects of Ostenil plus joint injection last for?
It lasts for approximately 6 months but can be repeated as necessary.
What are the benefits of Ostenil Plus injections?
It is not toxic/damaging to the bone like steroid.
Can we combine Ostenil Plus joint injections with other products?
In certain conditions, Ostenil Plus can be injected in combination with PRP or steroid to improve the effects. Physiotherapy is also an important adjuvant to improve the mobility and function of the joint.
When should Ostenil Plus injection not done?
Ostenil Plus joint injections should be avoided/ not done in the following conditions:
- Local infection in the skin at the site of injection / Infection in the joint
- Patients on blood thinners such as warfarin, apixaban etc
- In health condition affecting the way blood clots, such as haemophilia. This can increase risk of bleeding into the joint.
What do you need to do prior to having Ostenil plus joint injection?
- You will have a telephonic/video/face to face consultation with our doctor to assess if you are suitable for the procedure
- If possible stop/avoid pain killers such as ibuprofen, naproxen and diclofenac sodium.
- Wear comfortable clothes that allow easy access to the joint that is to be injected.
- Arrange for a family member or a friend to drive you home
Describe the procedure?
- First the area is cleaned with an antiseptic solution
- Ostenil Plus is mixed with a small volume of local anaesthetic to reduce the pain and discomfort during and after the injection
- A small dose of local anaesthetic is injected in the skin and then the mixture of Ostenil Plus and local anaesthetic is injected in the joint. The injection is guided by ultrasound to improve the accuracy of the injection
- The area is injection is covered with a sterile dressing.
- The health professional carrying out the injection will examine your joint and clean your skin with an antiseptic.
- You will be allowed to go home when you feel well and your vital signs are stable
What are the Side-effects of Ostenil Plus joint injection?
Side effects of Ostenil plus joint injections include:
- Minimal pain and swelling for a few days
- Rarely joint infection.
What is the aftercare following Ostenil Plus joint injection?
- Apply cold compress (Ice pack wrapped in a towel) on the area for 15 minutes each time. This will help to resolve swelling and bruising
- Doctor will prescribe you pain killers to control the post-procedure pain.
- Rest your joint for a day or two at least. You should be careful not to do too much using the joint for the first couple of weeks.
- In terms of mobility, take it easy for a couple of days.
- It can take up to a week for the steroid injection to start working and easing your pain. Doctor may give you some gentle exercises to do. You can slowly build these up as your symptoms improve.
- If you feel the area of injection looks red and inflamed, immediately contact the clinic.