Synvisc and Orthovisc Injections for Osteoarthritis

Arthritis is one of the most common diseases in the world today. The total cost of this condition has been estimated to be as high as 1% of the gross national product in the United States. The knee is among the most commonly involved joints with arthritis, and can be one of the most serious affecting many aspects of an individual's quality of life. Patients with arthritis of the knee are susceptible to complications from other medical conditions, as they are more likely to live a sedentary lifestyle and are more often obese. Effective treatment for knee arthritis is a priority of orthopedic surgeons.

Motor Oil for the Knee Joint

One possible method for treating arthritis of the knee without performing surgery has been with an injectable medication called Synvisc (the generic name is Hylan, and sold under the trade name "Synvisc"). Hyaluronan, the name of the substance in Synvisc, is secreted by cells in the cartilage of joints. Hyaluronan is one of the major molecular components of joint fluid, and it gives the joint fluid, also called synovial fluid, its viscous, slippery quality. The high viscosity of synovial fluid allows for the cartilage surfaces of joints to glide upon each other in a smooth fashion. By injecting Synvisc in a knee, some people consider this a so-called joint lubrication. This is why you may hear of Syvisc as a 'motor oil' for the knee joint.

Thanks to Synvisc, and Orthovisc injections, chronic pain in your knees and other joints caused by osteoarthritis is no longer a fact of life. Arthritic joints can now be 'lubricated' using a technique called viscosupplementation.

Healthy Trust Immediate Medical Care uses ultrasound to give an accurate diagnosis and help guide the needle to the correct target area which helps provide the best results for the patient. Studies show that injections that are not guided by ultrasound have a much lower success rate.

Fast Facts About Synvisc Injections

• Viscosupplementation has been studied for osteoarthritis treatment since the 1970s.
• Synvisc was FDA approved on 08/08/97.
• Synvisc injections are typically given once a week, 7 days apart, over a 15-day period, for a total of three injections.
• To get the best results, diseased osteoarthritic synovial fluid is typically removed from the knee before the first injection.
• Synvisc is considered a treatment or therapy, not a drug.

Healthy Trust Immediate Medical Care serves the Chicago North Shore Communities of Lake County, Wheeling, Prospect Heights, Lincolnshire, Deerfield, Buffalo Grove, Northbrook, Highland Park, Long Grove, Riverwoods, Des Plaines, Palatine, Glenview, Highwood, Northfield, Libertyville, Winnetka, Arlington Heights, Mount Prospect, Lake Bluff, Lake Forest, Mundelein, and Bannockburn.