In Episode 52 of the Total Knee Success podcast, Michelle explains what gel injections, also known as hyaluronic acid injections, are designed to do before total knee replacement. She breaks down how these injections interact with joint fluid, why clinical research on their effectiveness is mixed, and which patients may be more likely to notice benefit. Michelle also discusses how gel injections fit into real-world treatment decisions, including timing before surgery and how to evaluate whether they align with your functional goals and overall knee health strategy.

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The Knee Replacement Game Plan

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Medical Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content is not intended to replace individualized medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your surgeon, physical therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider regarding your specific condition, surgical decisions, and rehabilitation plan.

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Evidence-Based Content Statement: All information presented in this episode is grounded in peer-reviewed research, published clinical guidelines, and current best practices in orthopedic surgery and rehabilitation.

Music Licensing Statement: Intro and outro music for the Total Knee Success Podcast is licensed for commercial use. Editing and production for this episode were completed using Descript.

References American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Management of osteoarthritis of the knee (non-arthroplasty) evidence-based clinical practice guideline. Published August 31, 2021.

Bannuru RR, Osani MC, Vaysbrot EE, et al. Comparative effectiveness of pharmacologic interventions for knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Ann Intern Med. 2015;162(1):46-54.

Bannuru RR, Osani MC, Vaysbrot EE, et al. OARSI guidelines for the non-surgical management of knee osteoarthritis: a network meta-analysis of treatments. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2019;27(11):1578-1589.

McAlindon TE, Bannuru RR, Sullivan MC, et al. OARSI guidelines for the non-surgical management of knee osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2014;22(3):363-388.

Altman RD, Manjoo A, Fierlinger A, Niazi F, Nicholls M. The mechanism of action for hyaluronic acid treatment in the osteoarthritic knee: a systematic review. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2015;16:321.

Jevarajah A, Kwon JY. Intra-articular hyaluronic acid injections for knee osteoarthritis: a review of the evidence. Orthop Clin North Am. 2019;50(4):439-446.

Rutjes AWS, Jüni P, da Costa BR, et al. Viscosupplementation for osteoarthritis of the knee: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ann Intern Med. 2012;157(3):180-191.

Campbell KA, Erickson BJ, Saltzman BM, et al. Is local viscosupplementation injection clinically superior to other therapies in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee? A systematic review of overlapping meta-analyses. Arthroscopy. 2015;31(10):2036-2045.