SportVis Injection for Tendons and Ligaments

SportVis^TM is the only Health Canada-approved HA product for soft tissue. This is a 2-injection protocol, spread apart by at least 1 week, using a highly liquid solution to lubricate tendons and ligaments for improved healing.

In essence, the tendons and ligaments of the body are “ropey” structures, that either allow or restrict movement. With usual wear and tear, the collagen fibres that make these structures can become disorganized and even pull apart. As the body attempts to heal, pain develops as this can be an incomplete and irregular process.

Hyaluronic acid exists naturally in the body and is found in the scaffolding for tendons and ligaments. When injected into and around the soft tissue, under ultrasound-guidance, this supports the healing mechanism for collagen fibres, allowing improved reorganization and quicker pain relief.

The medical research for this procedure is continually evolving. It does not work for everybody. Please speak with your physician to determine if this is the right treatment for you.

What are the benefits?

Pain relief and improved tensile strength of the tendon or ligament. The research is still evolving in this field, but many see it as a way of postponing eventual surgery. The injectate is something our body already produces, and so it is seen as natural.

How long will my pain be reduced?

Pain relief is intended to occur within a few weeks. The overall length of relief is variable, lasting anywhere from months to years.

How often can I have this done?

This can be repeated as necessary, so long as it fits with the patient’s overall goals, lifestyle, and expectations.

Who can’t have this done?

• Any patient who may appear to have an infection within the body, near the site of administration, or the actual joint itself.
• Any patient with a known sensitivity to sodium hyaluronate.

What are the side effects?

Common, but not severe

1. Pain after injection: Application of ice and simple pain medications (e.g. Tylenol, Advil) can help, if desired.
2. Pain during the procedure: The skin is the most sensitive part when it comes to any injection. We minimize this by using local anesthetic and/or a vapocoolant spray on the skin. Pain associated with the injection is usually brief and well-tolerated.

Not common, but potentially severe

1. Infection: When a needle is passed through the skin into the body, there is a very small chance of introducing a joint infection. The chance of this occurring is extremely low, less than 0.002%, or equivalent to being struck by a car as a pedestrian and experiencing a catastrophic event. To minimize this risk, we not only follow the WHO minimum best practice standards for injections, but use sterile gloves, sterile ultrasound probe covers, and sterile ultrasound gel.
2. Allergy: A swelling reaction to the local injectate can occur at the site of administration. We ask all patients to remain in the clinic waiting room afterwards for a minimum of 15 minutes to observe for any adverse reactions to the medication. An allergic reaction is more likely with repeated injections.
3. Bleeding: This is a greater risk if you have a known bleeding disorder or are taking blood thinners. By using ultrasound guidance, there is less “poking” around to get to the target tissue of interest, and thus less theoretical risk of bleeding. Pressure is maintained over the skin afterwards to reduce bleeding.

Systemic Side Effects

No specific reactions have been described.

Can I drive afterwards?

We recommend bringing a driver with you if you’re scheduled for an ankle or foot injection. Otherwise, most people can drive afterwards. Nonetheless, we ask all patients to remain in the clinic waiting room for a minimum of 15 minutes afterwards to observe for any adverse reactions to the medication.

Can I play sports afterwards?

This depends on the type of sport and intensity, but we generally recommend taking it easy for 2 days as post-injection flares may occur. If steroid was provided, this takes effect after day 2. Overall, please be mindful with anything you do and listen to your body.

How much does this cost?​

Please see our fees and financing or contact us for more information.