Hyaluronic Acid Injection: What You Should Know.

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a substance naturally found in your body and helps to lubricate, cushion and protect joints. In osteoarthritis (OA) and some other conditions, the body’s natural HA breaks down, contributing to pain and reduced movement.

What is Durolane?

Durolane is an ultra-high molecular weight form of HA and when injected into the affected areas or joints, it helps restore the body’s natural protective environment.

Why Does MBR Health We Choose Durolane?

We understand there are cheaper HA alternatives to Durolane on the market. Often these are lower-molecular weight products which require 3 – 5 injections, with a lower duration of effect. While there may be a commercial benefit to providers to require repeat injections, Mermaid Beach Radiology is providing the very best in patient care and outcomes. After careful review of the clinical evidence, we have chosen Durolane for its superior long-term effectiveness, safety profile, and convenience for our patients. Its extended duration of action, means fewer injections, less exposure to imaging (including those using radiation), and better value over time.

Anti-inflammatory and Protective Effects

Durolane has been shown to reduce inflammation in the joint and protect cartilage from further damage. It works by calming inflammatory cells, inhibiting destructive enzymes, and enhancing the natural lubrication of the joint.

Proven, Long-lasting Pain Relief Injection

Durolane offers superior symptom relief for knee osteoarthritis when compared to low and medium molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HA) products. Its ultra-high molecular weight formulation allows it to remain in the joint longer, providing extended cushioning and anti-inflammatory effects.

Multiple high-quality studies have demonstrated that Durolane significantly reduces pain and improves joint function. While many HA products provide relief for just a few months, Durolane has been shown to offer benefits for up to 18 months after a single injection. An independent 6-year follow-up study supported these findings, highlighting Durolane’s potential for long-term symptom management with fewer interventions.

Conditions We Treat with Durolane

While Durolane is widely recognised for its use in knee osteoarthritis, we also use it successfully for several other conditions, including:

Knee osteoarthritis: Durolane (Hyaluronic Acid) is used for viscosupplementation for the knee to lubricate the joint, provide cushion and while reducing symptoms of osteoarthritis. At Mermaid Beach Radiology, we use Durolane alone, or in combination with Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) for treatment of knee Osteoarthritis. There is some evidence that the combination has synergistic effect, meaning that the combination offers superior relief compared to HA or PRP alone.
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis): Durolane helps restore movement and decrease joint stiffness during the recovery phase. This may be used in combination with PRP or corticosteroid injection.
Nerve sheath hydrodissection: Used to gently separate a nerve from surrounding tissues, often in cases of nerve entrapment or chronic irritation.

What Does Durolane Cost?

At MBR Health, Durolane injections may have a higher initial out-of-pocket cost compared to some providers offering lower-cost, low-molecular weight HA alternatives. However, it’s important to consider the long-term value. Durolane offers longer-lasting symptom relief, which often means fewer injections are needed over time. This not only reduces the frequency of visits and associated costs, but also minimises overall exposure to imaging and intervention. In many cases, Durolane proves to be the more cost-effective option in the long run due to its sustained benefits.

For patients receiving CT-guided injections, it’s also important to consider the cumulative radiation exposure. Lower molecular weight HA products often require more frequent injections, which may result in multiple imaging sessions over time. In contrast, Durolane’s extended duration of action can reduce the need for repeat procedures, thereby limiting both additional costs and unnecessary radiation exposure.

Final cost is dependent on the modality used to perform the injection. The procedure itself (excluding Durolane) may range from $320 to $400 out-of-pocket (after Medicare rebate) or more. However, prices and procedure may vary and are dependent on clinical notes and previous diagnostic imaging. The cost of Durolane is in addition to the procedure costs. As our price is dependent on our supplier costs and can change, please ring us to confirm the cost of Durolane supply.

Is Durolane Injection Covered by Medicare or Private Health Insurance?

Some portions of the Hyaluronic Acid injection procedure, such as the image-guidance component, may be eligible for a rebate. Please note that there is no Medicare coverage for the supply of Durolane.

Private health insurance does not generally cover outpatient procedures. However, depending on your level of cover, your insurer may reimburse part of the cost of the Durolane supply. We recommend checking directly with your private health insurance provider for specific details about your coverage.

Can Durolane Be Used with Other Treatments?

Yes. For certain conditions, such as knee osteoarthritis in active individuals, we may recommend combining Durolane with platelet-rich plasma (PRP). PRP helps stimulate tissue repair, while Durolane cushions the joint and reduces inflammation. Together, they can offer stronger and more durable results.

Is Durolane Right For Me?

Durolane (Hyaluronic Acid Injection) may be suitable for patients who:

Have mild to moderate osteoarthritis
Are seeking non-steroidal therapies to minimise risk of worsening osteoarthritis
Are seeking longer-term symptom relief from a single injection, compared to low-molecular weight-multi injections.
Wish to avoid or delay surgery
Have joint or nerve-related pain that hasn’t improved with oral medication or physiotherapy.

Your treating Doctor will work with you to determine if Hyaluronic Acid (Durolane) is the most appropriate option based on your condition, activity level, and treatment goals.

Do I need a referral?

Yes, you will require a referral from your treating doctor. This may be your Specialist or GP. In most cases, you will require diagnostic imaging with us prior to your intervention.

MBR Health has Australia’s most advanced collection of diagnostic imaging, including Spectral CT and our AI-powered, research-grade 3T quantitative MRI.

You can choose your radiology provider. All radiology clinics accept referrals on any letterhead or referral paper.

Ready to Book?

Please let us know if you have any questions or would like to book an injection with our experienced proceduralist, Dr Zane Sherif.

MBR Health uniquely advocates for evidenced-based corticosteroid alternatives, where appropriate. Our minimally-invasive treatment options are supported by unmatched diagnostic capabilities, as positive therapeutic outcomes begins with getting the right diagnosis. In addition to ultra-high molecular weight HA, we also offer Platelet-rich plasma and Radio-frequency ablation (RFA).

If you already have a referral, visit our Patient Information Page for next steps to book your scan or procedure.

Alternatively, contact us for assistance or if you have any further questions. We are always happy to help.

Disclaimer

The information provided here is for educational purposes only. It should not be considered medical advice. Please consult your trusted healthcare provider to help you make informed decisions that are right for you and your circumstances.