Joint pain, particularly in the knee, hip, and shoulder, is a common problem that can affect daily activities, including walking, climbing stairs, exercising, lifting the arm, and even sleeping comfortably.
When a joint undergoes degeneration or damage to the cartilage and surrounding tissues, inflammation, stiffness, and pain may occur. These symptoms can reduce joint mobility and may cause patients to avoid using the affected joint.
There are currently several treatment options available for managing joint pain. One option that has received increasing attention is intra-articular Atelocollagen injection. Clinical studies, particularly those involving patients with knee osteoarthritis, have reported that Atelocollagen may help reduce pain and improve joint function during follow-up.
However, treatment outcomes may vary from person to person. Current clinical evidence is strongest for the knee, while the use of Atelocollagen in the hip and shoulder requires individualized assessment by a physician.
What Is Atelocollagen?
Atelocollagen is Type I Collagen that has undergone a process to remove telopeptides, which stimulate the immune response. This results in highly pure collagen that causes a significantly lower allergic or inflammatory reaction compared to standard collagen, making it highly suitable for direct joint injection.
How does Atelocollagen help reduce pain and improve joint mobility?
Joint structures, whether articular cartilage, ligaments, or surrounding tissues, all have collagen as a primary component. When osteoarthritis or chronic inflammation occurs, the inflammatory process continuously degrades the collagen structure within the joint. This leads to cartilage thinning, joint friction, and subsequent pain.
The goal of injecting Atelocollagen into the joint is to help supplement the lost collagen structure, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain. As pain or joint stiffness decreases, patients can use and move their joints more comfortably, making daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or bending the knees easier.
Research and clinical evidence regarding Atelocollagen joint injectionsการฉีด Atelocollagen เข้าข้อ
Current clinical evidence on intra-articular Atelocollagen injection is most extensive in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA).
In a study involving 200 patients with knee osteoarthritis, cartilage abnormalities, or cartilage damage, patients who received Atelocollagen showed a significant reduction in pain scores (VAS) at 24 weeks compared with the control group. Improvements in quality of life and joint function were also reported compared with baseline measurements. No serious adverse effects or clinically significant abnormalities related to the treatment were observed in the study.
In addition, a retrospective study involving 91 patients with knee osteoarthritis evaluated repeat Atelocollagen injections. The study reported that repeat injections may help provide continued control of pain symptoms.
Benefits of Atelocollagen Injection
Direct injection of Atelocollagen into the joint offers several key advantages that meet the needs of patients suffering from joint pain who wish to avoid major surgery. The main benefits include the following:
- May help reduce joint pain: Clinical studies have reported potential pain-relieving benefits, particularly in patients with knee osteoarthritis. May help reduce joint pain: Clinical studies have reported potential pain-relieving benefits, particularly in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
- May improve joint function and mobility: Reducing pain and stiffness may help patients use the affected joint more comfortably during daily activities.
- Minimally invasive: The treatment is performed using a needle to deliver the injection into the joint and does not require surgery.
- Usually does not require hospitalization: In general, patients can return home after the procedure, depending on their individual condition and the physician's assessment.
- An option for non-surgical pain management: Atelocollagen may be considered as one of the treatment options for patients seeking a non-surgical approach to joint pain. The appropriate treatment should be determined based on the underlying cause, symptoms, and severity of the condition.
- Atelocollagen is generally considered safe and has relatively few side effects compared with steroid injections: Atelocollagen primarily helps support tissue structure, promote joint movement, and support the tissue healing process. In contrast, steroids primarily work by reducing inflammation and relieving pain. Although steroid injections may provide rapid relief from pain and inflammation, repeated or long-term use may increase the risk of tissue changes or degeneration and may also cause side effects affecting other systems of the body. Atelocollagen injections, on the other hand, generally cause only mild and temporary side effects, such as pain, swelling, or irritation at the injection site.
Note: Atelocollagen is not suitable for every patient and cannot replace surgery in all cases. In particular, patients with severe joint degeneration or a medical indication for surgery may require surgical treatment. A physician should assess each patient individually before determining whether Atelocollagen injection is appropriate.
Who Is Atelocollagen Joint Injection Suitable For? เหมาะกับใคร?
Atelocollagen injection may be an option for individuals experiencing joint pain from conditions that are responsive to injection therapies. However, not all types of joint pain are suitable for this method. The details to consider are as follows:
- Potentially suitable group: Individuals with joint pain (especially knee pain caused by osteoarthritis) who wish to consider non-surgical treatment options.
- Potentially unsuitable group: Patients with severe osteoarthritis, intra-articular infections, joint inflammation from certain underlying diseases, or other conditions that require specific alternative medical treatments.
- Pre-decision advice: You should always start with a personalized diagnosis and joint assessment by a doctor to determine whether this treatment is appropriate for the specific cause and severity of your condition.
Which Joints Can Be Treated with Atelocollagen?
Atelocollagen injections can be applied to various joint areas experiencing degeneration or inflammation. The doctor will determine the appropriate location based on each patient's specific lesions, as follows:
Atelocollagen Injection in the Knee Joint
The knee is the joint for which the most clinical evidence is currently available, particularly in patients with knee osteoarthritis and pain associated with cartilage damage. Several studies have reported potential improvements in pain and joint function following treatment.
Atelocollagen Injection in the Shoulder Joint
Atelocollagen has also been investigated for certain conditions involving the shoulder joint and surrounding tissues. However, the available evidence is not as extensive as that for the knee. The injection site and treatment approach may also vary depending on the underlying condition, such as problems involving the rotator cuff.
Atelocollagen Injection in the Hip Joint
Hip pain can result from various causes, including hip osteoarthritis, muscle or tendon disorders, and other conditions affecting the structures around the joint. Before considering Atelocollagen injection, the physician will assess the underlying cause of the pain and the severity of any joint abnormalities.
Note: Compared with the knee, clinical evidence for Atelocollagen use in the hip and shoulder remains more limited. Therefore, treatment should be considered on an individual basis, and findings from knee studies should not automatically be generalized to other joints.
What Happens During an Atelocollagen Injection?
Atelocollagen intra-articular injection is a relatively short procedure and can generally be performed on an outpatient basis.
1. Pre-procedure Assessment
The physician will review the patient's medical history, perform a physical examination, and assess the characteristics of the pain. Depending on the patient's condition, the physician may also consider X-rays, ultrasound, or other diagnostic imaging to identify the cause of the pain and determine whether Atelocollagen injection is appropriate.
2. Injection Site Planning
The injection site depends on the affected joint and the underlying condition. In some cases, the physician may use ultrasound guidance to identify important anatomical structures and guide the needle accurately to the intended target.
3. Intra-articular Atelocollagen Injection
The injection site will be cleaned using an appropriate aseptic technique to help minimize the risk of infection. The injection site and amount of Atelocollagen used will depend on the area being treated and the physician's clinical judgment.
4. Follow-up After Treatment
Following the procedure, the physician will monitor the patient's pain level, joint mobility, and ability to use the affected joint. The response to treatment will then be assessed to determine the appropriate next step in management.
Aftercare Following Atelocollagen Injection
Some patients may experience temporary pain, stiffness, or discomfort around the injection site, particularly during the initial period following the procedure.
- Patients should avoid high-impact activities or strenuous use of the treated joint during the initial recovery period.
- Patients should follow their physician's instructions and
- If significant or worsening pain or swelling occurs, or if the injection site becomes increasingly red or warm, or if fever or other concerning symptoms develop, patients should contact a physician for further evaluation.
When Should Atelocollagen Be Repeated?
Currently, there is no single standardized interval for repeat Atelocollagen injections that applies to all patients. Some studies have investigated repeat injections at approximately 6-month intervals, which may provide useful information when monitoring pain control in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
However, the decision to repeat treatment should not be based on time alone. The physician may consider several factors, including:
- Current pain severity
- Joint mobility and function
- Degree of joint degeneration
- Response to the previous injection
- Underlying medical conditions and other treatments the patient is receiving
If symptoms remain well controlled and the patient can use the joint comfortably, another injection may not be necessary immediately. Conversely, if pain returns, the physician may consider a repeat injection if it is determined to be appropriate for the individual patient.
Summary
Atelocollagen is a highly pure collagen injected into joints to help reduce pain, decrease inflammation, and supplement damaged collagen structures, particularly in patients with knee osteoarthritis. It is considered a minimally invasive treatment option that helps patients regain better joint mobility without relying on major surgery, while also reducing the risks associated with continuous steroid use. Although it is a safe procedure with minimal side effects, this treatment requires an assessment by a doctor to achieve optimal results that are appropriate for each patient's specific condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How is injecting Atelocollagen different from injecting steroids?
Steroid injections primarily act to reduce inflammation and relieve pain, but frequent repeated injections may carry the risk of tissue alteration. In contrast, Atelocollagen is injected to help support tissue structures and promote the recovery process, which generally presents fewer side effects compared to long-term steroid use.
2. Does an Atelocollagen injection require a long recovery time?
Atelocollagen injection is a procedure that uses a needle to administer the treatment directly into the joint. Patients do not need to be hospitalized and can return home immediately after the procedure. There may be slight tightness or soreness around the injection site initially. Doctors typically recommend avoiding heavy joint usage or high-impact activities during the early post-injection period.
3. Will the pain improve continuously after the injection, and are repeated injections necessary?
Treatment results depend on the degree of joint degeneration and the individual's physical condition. If the pain improves after the injection and the joint can be used normally, a repeated injection may not be immediately necessary. However, if the pain returns in the future, a doctor can evaluate your condition to determine the suitability of a repeated injection.
4. Who should not receive Atelocollagen injections?
This treatment may not be suitable for individuals with severe osteoarthritis who require surgery, those with intra-articular infections, or those with joint inflammation caused by certain underlying diseases. Therefore, patients should always receive a proper diagnosis and evaluation from a doctor before proceeding with the treatment.
References
- Lee HS, Oh KJ, Moon YW, In Y, Lee HJ, Kwon SY. Intra-articular Injection of Type I Atelocollagen to Alleviate Knee Pain: A Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial. Cartilage. 2021;13(1 Suppl):342S–350S.
- Park MJ, Ko SW, Cho JI, Lee SH, Shin HK. Effect of Intra-articular Atelocollagen Injections for Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Retrospective Chart Review. Cureus. 2024;16(9).
- In Y, Alshammari SM, Kim MS. Effect of repeated intra-articular administration of collagen as a treatment for knee osteoarthritis: a case report. [PubMed]. 2024.
- Kim H, Nam S, Lee K, Yu S, Kim J. Ultrasound-Guided Atelocollagen Injection for Chronic Pain After Spinal Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Journal of Pain Research. 2026;19:549827.
This article is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for a medical diagnosis or professional medical advice. If you are experiencing pain, you should consult a physician specializing in pain management for an appropriate evaluation and individualized treatment plan.
Pain Management at Bangkok Interventional Clinic
At Bangkok Interventional Clinic, we focus on personalised, in-depth pain management tailored to each individual.
- All patients are evaluated and treated by a board-certified pain specialist, ensuring accuracy, safety, and effective care.
- We provide targeted interventional pain procedures to help relieve symptoms quickly and restore function.
- Equally important, we emphasise patient education, empowering you to understand your condition and participate in a long-term self-care plan.
Our goal is to improve the quality of life for every person who comes to us for care. If you are experiencing pain that affects your daily life, an accurate diagnosis and the right treatment plan are the first steps toward meaningful change. Bangkok Interventional Clinic — Specialised Pain and Nerve Care by Multidisciplinary Specialist Physicians.
