Rheumatology
Hyaluronic acid for joints in Lugano
Intra-articular injection of hyaluronic acid to lubricate the joint (viscosupplementation). It is a joint treatment, not a cosmetic filler. The practice offers it alongside platelet-rich plasma (PRP); whether it is indicated is decided at the visit, with ultrasound. PRP, prepared from the patient's blood, is on the sibling page.
- Viscosupplementation: lubrication of the joint
- Offered alongside PRP; the choice is made at the visit
- When needed, musculoskeletal ultrasound guidance
How it works
Viscosupplementation
Hyaluronic acid is a component of synovial fluid. Injection into the joint aims to lubricate and support viscosity. Unlike PRP, it is not obtained from the patient's blood.
How it is done
Aspiration and injection of the joint, within interventional pain therapy. When needed, musculoskeletal ultrasound (SGUM qualification) guides the procedure, as with the practice's other injections.
Alongside PRP
Hyaluronic acid and PRP are offered together. PRP is prepared from the patient's blood; it is offered in tendinopathy and inflammation where tendons attach to bone. Those details are on the PRP page. Which preparation to use is decided at the visit.
What knee studies say
A meta-analysis of 18 randomised trials compared PRP and hyaluronic acid in knee osteoarthritis, with results assessed on average after 11 months; mean scores favoured PRP. The 2019 ACR/Arthritis Foundation guideline on osteoarthritis of the hand, hip and knee is cautious on intra-articular hyaluronic acid (conditionally recommended against for the knee, strongly against for the hip) and also recommends against PRP in knee and hip osteoarthritis (strong recommendation against), because preparations vary. That is not a verdict for every patient: indication is decided at the visit.
When we offer it
Osteoarthritis and joints
Degenerative joint disease, including osteoarthritis. Hyaluronic acid enters the pathway when the clinical indication is clear after the visit.
Ultrasound guidance
Musculoskeletal ultrasound, performed in the practice with SGUM qualification, assesses joints and soft tissues and can guide the injection. Whether it is indicated is decided with ultrasound.
Interventional pain therapy
It belongs with aspiration and injection of joints and soft tissues. Spinal injections for disc herniation and canal stenosis are on the interventional pain page; that is not this technique.
How it is tolerated
As with any injection, pain, redness, swelling or a small bruise can appear in the treated area, usually short-lived. Say so at the visit if you take anticoagulants or if you have already reacted to an injection.
Frequently asked questions
Is it the same as PRP?
No. This page is viscosupplementation with hyaluronic acid. PRP is obtained from the patient's blood and is on the platelet-rich plasma page. Both are offered; which to use is decided at the visit.
Is it painful?
The injection can sting locally. When needed, ultrasound guides the procedure, as with the practice's other injections.
How many sessions are needed?
It depends on the joint and the picture. The course is defined at the visit, with review.
Is it covered by insurance?
The physician holds the RME quality label for acupuncture and Chinese medicine, and in Ticino the practice bills complementary insurers: with complementary insurance, under certain conditions, the treatment can be reimbursed. Patients with basic insurance only receive a clear cost estimate at the visit and pay directly.
Scientific sources
- Belk JW, et al. Platelet-Rich Plasma Versus Hyaluronic Acid for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Am J Sports Med. 2021;49:249–260. doi:10.1177/0363546520909397
- Kolasinski SL, et al. 2019 American College of Rheumatology/Arthritis Foundation Guideline for the Management of Osteoarthritis of the Hand, Hip, and Knee. Arthritis Care Res. 2020;72:149–162. doi:10.1002/acr.24131
Related treatments
This therapy is part of Rheumatology and Regenerative medicine.
Not sure which treatment is right for you?
For musculoskeletal pain the practice follows several routes, often combined. The specialist visit, with ultrasound when needed, clarifies which one is indicated in your case.
Acupuncture
Needles, needle-free laser or ear acupuncture, performed by a specialist physician.
Interventional pain therapy
Ultrasound-guided injections of joints and soft tissues, with hyaluronic acid or PRP when indicated.
PRP for joints and tendons
Plasma prepared from the patient's own blood and injected into tendons and joints.
Laser therapy
Laser light applied locally, in the joint or in the bloodstream, without drugs.
The information on this page is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. The indication, expected benefits and risks of every treatment are assessed individually during the specialist consultation.
Let's assess hyaluronic acid together
Indication and technique are defined after the specialist consultation.
We accept referrals and second-opinion requests from your physician, via HIN. dr.djordjevic@hin.ch
How to reach us
In Lugano, a short walk from USI and EOC
The practice is centrally located in Italian-speaking Switzerland, also reachable by car and by train from Mendrisio, Bellinzona, Locarno and Chiasso.
By car: the practice's own car park is right in front. By public transport: a short walk from USI.
Address
Via Alessandro Volta 1
6900 Lugano
Opening hours
Monday–Friday 08:00–16:30
Saturday and Sunday closed
Phone
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