Injections

Viscosupplementation

Specialized procedures such as viscosupplementation joint injection (Orthovisc is the set of 3 injections 1 week apart or Monovisc is the single injection) for osteoarthritis can be performed at the clinic. Viscosupplementation has been shown to relieve pain & improve function in many patients who cannot get relief from nonmedicinal measures or analgesic drugs. This procedure involves the injection of gel-like substances (hyaluronic acid) into a joint to supplement the viscous properties of synovial fluid and serves as a lubricant for the joint. Patients often experience relief for 9-12 months after the injection. Many insurance companies will cover the cost.

• Orthovisc Cost: $160/injection x 3 injections (HST Exempt)
• Durolane / Monovsic Cost: $490/injection x 1 injection (HST Exempt)
• Image Guided Injections: additional $100 fee may apply if ultrasound imaging is required for non-insured OHIP services.
• Cingual: $450 x 1 injection (HST Exempt)
• SportVis: $250 x 2 injections (HST Exempt)
• Prolotherapy: $200 x 1 injection

Cortisone

Cortisone injections have been shown to provide relief from pain caused by many musculoskeletal conditions. The injection is usually into a joint to treat localized inflammation. They are performed by our sport medicine or orthopedic surgery physicians if deemed appropriate.

Typically, cortisone shots include a corticosteroid medication to relieve pain and inflammation over time and an anesthetic to provide immediate pain relief. Following your cortisone shot, your doctor might ask that you:

• Protect the injection area for a day or two. For instance, if you received a cortisone shot in your shoulder, avoid heavy lifting. If you received a cortisone shot in your knee, modify activity for a few days.
• Apply ice to the injection site as needed to relieve pain. Don’t use heating pads.
• Watch for signs of infection/reaction, including increasing pain, redness and swelling that last more than 48 hours.
• Don’t use a bathtub, hot tub or whirlpool for two days. You may shower.

Results of cortisone shots typically depend on the reason for the treatment. Cortisone shots commonly cause a temporary flare in pain and inflammation for up to 48 hours after the injection. After that, your pain and inflammation of the affected joint should decrease, and can last up to several months.

Contact: 613-520-3510 for an appointment

Cost: $30.00 for the cost of the medication (reimbursed by most private drug plans)

Ultrasound Guided Injections

An image guided joint injection is an injection, of local anesthetic, that gives rapid pain relief to ease your pain and reduce swelling, into your joints with the aid of ultrasound for precise needle placement.

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) Injections 

Blood is made up of a liquid called plasma which contains platelets. The Platelets contain different proteins and growth factors that are very important in the healing process. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections involve a spinning of your blood in a centrifuge to separate the platelets. Following this separation of blood products the platelet matrix is injected into the joint, ligament, tendon or muscle to enhance healing. Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) is a second generation procedure using platelets and leukocytes in a complex fibrin matrix to accelerate the healing of tissue.

Patients should expect some discomfort following the procedure (with a range from 2-7 days) as the natural healing cascade is stimulated. Activity modification timeline following the injection is dependent on the injection type and tissue location. Generally, some rest or modification from sport will be required ranging from a few days to a month.