Inter-articular hyaluronic acid injections under imaging guidance — a lubrication and cushioning option when osteoarthritis has thinned your natural synovial fluid.
Clinically reviewed by Devon Duplain, PA-C
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a key component of synovial fluid, which helps lubricate and cushion your joints. As we age, bodies often produce less HA, which can mean less lubrication, more friction, and more pain with osteoarthritis.
Legacy clinic education described HA as a “WD-40 oil change for your joints” — helping lubricate and supporting more efficient production and use of synovial fluid to buffer achy bone-on-bone spaces. Supplementing with HA injections is a common non-surgical option discussed for osteoarthritis mobility.
Due to the highly viscous nature of HA, if the substance is not introduced directly into the joint space or bursa, it may have little effect. Legacy copy warned against “going in blind.”
At Joint Regeneration Center of Utah, injection treatments are performed with sophisticated imaging guidance. Legacy protocol described using fluoroscopic guidance and, when indicated, a contrast picture of the joint space to look for tears or abnormalities that would contraindicate HA — then delivering each subsequent injection under the same imaging so the medication reaches its intended target.
If you had HA elsewhere without needle guidance (and without a customized joint-unloading approach when indicated), that may help explain a disappointing prior result — discuss your history in consult rather than assuming HA “doesn’t work.”
HA is viscosupplementation (lubrication). PRP delivers concentrated growth-factor signaling from your own platelets. They are not interchangeable. Some patients have had both in a sequenced plan. Start with the condition that hurts most — often knee — then we map whether HA, PRP, A2M, exosomes, or stem cells fit the imaging.
HA visits happen at 6699 South 1300 East, Suite 150, Murray UT 84121 — parking at the suite. Easy access from I-215 and 1300 East for Salt Lake metro patients.
Joint Regeneration Center of Utah
6699 South 1300 East, Suite 150
Murray, UT 84121
(801) 996-3592 · (385) 257-9206 (text)
Mon–Fri: 9 AM – 5 PM
No. Corticosteroid injections are anti-inflammatory steroids. HA is a lubricant/cushion derived from the same family of molecules as natural synovial fluid. Legacy clinic education also cautioned that repeated cortisone can be harmful to joint tissue over time — ask your clinician how that applies to your case.
Series length varies by product and joint. TODO for clinic: publish current series lengths and brands used. Do not rely on a generic internet schedule.
Candidacy depends on imaging. If the joint space and soft tissue no longer support injection therapy, we say so rather than sell a series. Bring prior MRIs or X-rays to consult.
In-office at our Murray clinic — not a hospital surgery center. Most patients drive themselves.