Hydrodissection: A Breakthrough in Knee Pain Treatment

Understanding Hydrodissection

The Concept of Hydrodissection

Hydrodissection is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a directed stream of fluid, typically sterile saline or a glucose solution, to separate tissue planes (fascia) or structures, particularly around nerves and other musculoskeletal structures.

The procedure is commonly used to treat entrapments or restricted gliding between tissues due to injury, overuse, or inflammation.

The fluid acts as a mechanical separator, creating space between muscles, fascia, tendons, or nerves, which helps restore mobility, reduce irritation, and alleviate pain.

Check out our in-depth articles on the hydrodissection technique, nerve impingement and the importance of fascia health here.

Conditions Benefiting from Hydrodissection

Hydrodissection has shown promise in treating a variety of conditions, particularly those related to knee pain and its various causes.

Here are some conditions where hydrodissection can be beneficial:

• Sports Injuries: Athletes experiencing knee pain due to injuries may find relief through hydrodissection.
• Osteophytosis: Bone spurs causing nerve entrapments can be treated effectively using this technique.
• Tendinosis: Chronic tendon injuries, including patellar tendinitis, can benefit from the procedure.
• Post-fracture or Post-surgical Pain: Patients recovering from fractures or surgery may experience nerve entrapments that can be alleviated through hydrodissection.

For anyone dealing with sharp knee pain or knee pain of any kind, understanding the role of hydrodissection and the conditions it can address is essential.

This technique offers a promising path for pain relief and improved functionality.

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Techniques and Benefits

Effective pain relief techniques like hydrodissection are offering new hope to those suffering from knee pain.

Understanding the techniques involved and the associated benefits can help you make informed decisions about this treatment option.

Ultrasound-Guided Hydrodissection

Ultrasound-guided hydrodissection is a technique that has evolved significantly over the past decade.

Improvements in ultrasound resolution enable the accurate diagnosis of problems in small structures like nerves, scar tissue, and vessels.

This technology allows real-time visual guidance, ensuring precision during the procedure.

Ultrasound guidance ensures that the fluid dissects the correct path without damaging adjacent structures, reducing the risks associated with the procedure.

Advantages of Nerve Hydrodissection

Nerve hydrodissection offers several benefits, especially for those dealing with chronic joint or nerve pain:

• Minimized Risks: This method helps prevent complications like accidental vascular puncture and local anesthetic systemic toxicity commonly encountered in traditional nerve block procedures.
• Efficient Pain Relief: Hydrodissection has been found to offer longer-lasting pain relief when compared to conventional methods. In clinical trials, hydrodissection with dextrose 5% in water (D5W) outperformed normal saline (NS), hyaluronidase, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and triamcinolone in treating conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Safe for Training: Hydrodissection is considered safer for training anesthesiologists, reducing the learning curve for accurate administration of nerve blocks and minimizing patient discomfort.

In summary, hydrodissection presents a promising avenue for those seeking relief from sharp knee pain or other nerve-related complications.

The use of advanced ultrasound technology ensures precision and safety, making it a compelling option worth considering.

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Considerations and Cautions

Procedure Safety and Risks

When considering hydrodissection for knee pain treatment, understanding the safety and potential risks involved is crucial.

• Safety Profile: Hydrodissection stands out as a less invasive alternative to surgery, effectively treating various nerve entrapments. It has shown positive outcomes for conditions such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, where it offers symptom relief similar to surgical interventions. The procedure is typically quick, just a few minutes, and involves minimal downtime.
• Effective Pain Reduction: Hydrodissection can alleviate pain linked to different nerve entrapments including the dorsal scapular nerve (upper back pain), cluneal nerve (lower back pain), median nerve, and ulnar nerve. Multiple sessions might be needed for optimal results and significant pain reduction.
• Condition Suitability: The procedure is most effective for mild to moderate cases of nerve entrapment. Severe instances, especially those involving significant nerve damage, may still require surgical intervention.

It’s important to consult with your healthcare provider to determine the suitability of hydrodissection for your specific condition.

Check out our articles on related conditions that can benefit from hydrodissection such as ulnar nerve impingement, sciatica, and lower back pain.

Seek RELIEF®

RELIEF® is a science-backed, targeted approach that targets dysfunctional fascia that surrounds the affected knee tendons.

The treatment utilizes hydrodissection—a fluid-based technique that gently separates and releases adhered soft tissue layers and fascia, which may contribute to knee pain and degenerative joint symptoms.^{1,2,3,4,5,6,7}

RELIEF® is a minimally invasive alternative to traditional treatments—and requires no steroids, medication, surgery, anesthesia, or post-procedure immobilization.

‍Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how RELIEF® may help with your knee pain.