An individual suffering from shoulder pain.

Did you know that intra-articular hyaluronic acid injections significantly benefit patients suffering from frozen shoulders? A study in 2022 found that this treatment effectively enhances the range of motion, enabling pain-free movement and ultimately improving the quality of life for individuals with shoulder osteoarthritis.

In the context of osteoarthritis (OA), viscosupplementation has gained widespread recognition. This therapeutic approach entails the intra-articular injection of hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring substance, into affected joints. Treatments such as Durolane effectively improve mobility in areas like knees and shoulders, restoring function and enabling patients to lead pain-free lives.

This article will explore Durolane injection for shoulder osteoarthritis, the treatment procedure, expected outcomes, potential side effects, and patient testimonials.

Key Takeaways

  • The US Food and Drug Administration approved the Durolane dosage of 3 mL in treating knee osteoarthritis (OA) among individuals who have not responded to the first-line therapies.
  • Due to the off-label Durolane injection for shoulder use, patients must seek the guidance and expertise of medical professionals to ensure patient safety and maximized benefits.
  • During the Durolane injections, patients may feel mild pressure or discomfort during the treatment, but it is generally well-tolerated.
  • Adherence to the proper treatment procedure and protocol can lead to optimal treatment outcomes and ensured safety throughout the Durolane injection.
  • After injection, patients must follow the provider’s post-treatment care tips and specific treatment protocols if their condition requires them.

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Understanding Durolane Injection

A shot of a medical syringe.

Durolane capitalizes on the high molecular weight of hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring substance in the joints and synovial fluid. This viscosupplement acts as a lubricant and shock absorber surrounding the joints to deliver symptomatic relief.

The US Food and Drug Administration approved the Durolane dosage of 3 mL in treating knee osteoarthritis (OA) among individuals who have not responded to the first-line therapies. However, medical professionals may adjust Durolane dosage and frequency to address shoulder OA as off-label uses.

When injected directly into the affected joint, Durolane can lubricate and cushion the joints to improve mobility and relieve pain. Moreover, this viscosupplement can offer several advantages and benefits after treatment.

  • Pain Reduction: A single Durolane injection can relieve pain for up to 26 weeks in patients with shoulder osteoarthritis.
  • Improve Joint Health and Mobility: Durolane enhances the range of motion by restoring joint function and enables pain-free movement.
  • Enhance Quality of Life: Durolane helps patients regain their quality of life by alleviating pain and improving shoulder function.

Due to the off-label Durolane injection for shoulder use, patients must seek the guidance and expertise of medical professionals to ensure patient safety and maximized benefits. They should know the most suitable treatment adjustments and viscosupplement use between injections like Durolane vs Orthovisc and equip patients with comprehensive information.

Treatment Procedure and Expected Outcomes

A medical provider administering a patient's shoulder.

Individuals should follow a strict treatment procedure associated with Durolane injection for shoulder. Adherence to the proper treatment procedure and protocol can lead to optimal treatment outcomes and ensured safety throughout the Durolane injection.

  • Consultation: Clinicians must assess the patient’s shoulder joint and discuss the symptoms, potential Durolane side effects, and benefits. If Durolane is deemed suitable for the patient’s preferences, concerns, and goals, medical professionals should proceed with the injection.
  • Preparation: Medical professionals must thoroughly cleanse the injection site, and local anesthesia may be administered to minimize patient discomfort.
  • Injection: Providers can use ultrasound guidance to inject Durolane precisely into the affected joint space. Patients can ensure a relatively quick and minimally invasive treatment.
  • Post-Injection: Individuals can resume normal activities immediately after the injection. However, they can experience pain relief as early as a week or two after the injection.

During the Durolane injections, patients may feel mild pressure or discomfort during the treatment, but it is generally well-tolerated. Moreover, after the injection, patients may encounter the following tips to ensure optimal results.

  • Immediate Relief
  • Temporary Durolane Side Effects
  • Gradual Improvement
  • Avoid High-Impact Activities

Understanding the expected outcomes and timeline of Durolane treatment can also help individuals make informed decisions about shoulder therapy. For up to six months, patients can expect pain reduction and improved shoulder function outcomes. They can also regain their ability to perform activities pain-free and without discomfort.

Efficacy and Safety of Durolane for Shoulder Osteoarthritis

Initial findings from a clinical trial study suggest that a single NASHA injection may be effective over six months and well-tolerated by patients with symptomatic glenohumeral osteoarthritis. However, larger-scale studies are necessary to confirm these results.

In addition, the results of a systematic review and meta-analysis indicate that intra-articular hyaluronic acid (HA) injections may effectively relieve pain and lead to significant improvements in patients with shoulder osteoarthritis. However, further randomized controlled trials are necessary.

More data are needed on the optimal HA formulation, the number of injections, and the injection interval for shoulder OA patients. Unfortunately, only patient testimonials and real-life experiences of individuals who received Durolane for their knee OA are available online.

Additionally, Mario Huet, a patient diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis, sought a solution for this degenerative joint condition. Given his active lifestyle and demanding work, knee pain posed a significant challenge. Upon the family doctor’s recommendation, hyaluronic acid injections were administered to restore functional movement in his knee joints.

Over a decade, Durolane effectively halted the progression of osteoarthritis in Huet’s knees, resulting in a pain-free and inflammation-free experience. Many patients also shared their positive experiences with Durolane injection for their knee OA on Drugs.com.

These two patients have received personalized treatments for their knee OA symptoms. Both of them have achieved pain-free movement after their Durolane therapy, thanks to the injectable’s safety and efficacy and their medical professionals’ guidance and expertise.

Patients' testimonials after their Durolane injection therapies.
Photo Source: Drugs.com

However, it’s worth noting that patients may expect common Durolane side effects during treatment. While these are often mild to moderate and temporary, patients must seek medical attention when they persist.

  • Transient pain
  • Localized Swelling
  • Localized Stiffness in the Joint

Ice application can help manage these temporary symptoms. However, if they persist, providers may adjust the Durolane dosage or frequency to effectively address the potential worsening side effects.

Practical Advice for Patients Considering Durolane Treatment

A patient's x-ray of their shoulder being examined by a medical professional.

Before a Durolane injection for shoulder, individuals must prepare themselves for the treatment. Avoiding medications that may counteract the single-injection therapy must be strictly adhered to avoid complications and insufficient relief. After injection, patients must follow the provider’s post-treatment care tips and specific treatment protocols if their condition requires them.

  • Rest and Avoid Strenuous Activities
  • Ice Application for Pain and Swelling
  • Adhere to Adjusted Durolane Dosage or Frequency
  • Physical Therapy for Maintained Results

While a single Durolane injection provides pain relief for up to six months, repeat injections remain effective for several years. Follow-up sessions and adhering to a healthcare provider’s guidance can result in optimal outcomes. Lifestyle modifications can also support joint health and sustained shoulder symptomatic relief.

Conclusion

The viscosupplement’s use of high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid (HA) as a lubricant and shock absorber proves promising in restoring joint function and improving the quality of life for individuals suffering from frozen shoulders. Despite an off-label use for the shoulder, Durolne can deliver the potential benefits of Durolane injection for shoulder osteoarthritis.

This highlights the treatment procedure, expected outcomes, and safety considerations and provides valuable insights for patients considering this therapeutic approach. Durolane can offer its efficacy in enhancing joint mobility and reducing shoulder pain. Yet, the need for larger-scale studies to confirm the effectiveness and optimal usage parameters for shoulder osteoarthritis treatment is emphasized.

FAQs

1. What are the potential side effects of Durolane for shoulder injections?

Potential Durolane side effects for shoulder injections include temporary, transient pain, localized swelling, and localized stiffness in the joint.

2. How long do the common side effects of Durolane for shoulder injections typically last?

The common side effects of Durolane for shoulder injections, such as temporary redness, swelling, pain, itching, or tenderness at the injection site, are usually temporary and should resolve within a few days. If these symptoms persist or worsen, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for guidance.

3. Is Durolane a viable treatment for shoulder pain?

Durolane is considered a viable treatment for shoulder pain despite its off-label use. However, as with any medical treatment, discussing its potential benefits and risks with a healthcare professional is vital to determining the right option for your condition.

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References

  1. Mao, B., Peng, R., Zhang, Z., Zhang, K., Li, J., & Fu, W. (2022). The Effect of Intra-articular Injection of Hyaluronic Acid in Frozen Shoulder: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Journal of orthopaedic surgery and research, 17(1), 128.
  2. McKee, M. D., Litchfield, R., Hall, J. A., Wester, T., Jones, J., & Harrison, A. J. (2019). NASHA hyaluronic acid for the treatment of shoulder osteoarthritis: a prospective, single-arm clinical trial. Medical devices (Auckland, N.Z.), 12, 227–234. https://doi.org/10.2147/MDER.S189522