Monovisc Injection – All About the Treatment

Viscosupplementation, a minimally invasive treatment for osteoarthritis, has seen significant market growth. It was valued at $4.4 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach $10.9 billion by 2031. This treatment option has become increasingly popular due to its effectiveness over placebos and other medications like NSAIDs and corticosteroids.

Monovisc stands out in the viscosupplementation landscape as a single-injection treatment designed to alleviate knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. Its hyaluronic acid-based formulation mimics the knee’s natural fluid, providing lubrication and cushioning.

This article will explore Monovisc injection in detail, discussing its benefits, application process, and what patients can expect from this treatment.

Key Takeaways

• Monovisc injection is a treatment for osteoarthritis knee pain, providing relief by lubricating and cushioning the joint.
• The mechanism of action involves the use of hyaluronic acid to restore the natural balance within the joint.
• Patient selection criteria, treatment procedure, and post-treatment care are essential for optimizing the outcomes of Monovisc injections.
• Clinical studies and expert opinions support Monovisc’s efficacy and safety, making it a valuable option for managing osteoarthritis knee pain.

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What is Monovisc Injection?

Monovisc’s generic name is hyaluronan. It is a viscosupplementation treatment for knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. Doctors use it when other arthritis medications no longer work. This FDA-approved injection contains high-molecular-weight hyaluronan, miming the body’s natural joint fluid.

The product acts as a substitute for synovial fluid, the fluid that naturally cushions your knee joint. By mimicking this lubricant, which often diminishes in osteoarthritis patients, Monovisc helps to reduce pain and improve knee mobility.

Mechanism of Action

Hyaluronic acid, a key component in Monovisc, acts as a lubricant and shock absorber inside the knee joint. The treatment involves injecting high molecular weight hyaluronan directly into the knee. This substance mimics the naturally occurring lubricant found in healthy joints. The process aims to restore the viscoelastic properties of synovial fluid, improving mobility and reducing pain.

Hyaluronic acid plays a crucial role in joint health, acting as a natural lubricant and shock absorber in the knee. Found in healthy joints, this complex sugar helps keep the space between bones well-lubricated to prevent pain during movement.

Treatment Procedure and Patient Selection

Doctors use Monovisc to help people with knee pain from osteoarthritis. This treatment may come after other pain relief methods have failed. Monovisc is a high-molecular-weight hyaluronan given as a single shot directly into the knee joint. It aims to ease pain and improve movement in patients with knee arthritis.

Criteria for Selecting Patients for Monovisc Treatment

Selecting suitable patients for Monovisc treatment is crucial for effective pain relief in knee osteoarthritis. This FDA-approved injection, made from ultra-pure hyaluronan, offers a promising option after other arthritis medications have failed.

• The primary candidates are individuals suffering from knee pain due to osteoarthritis.
• Suitable for patients who have tried other arthritis medications without satisfactory pain relief.
• Ideal for those seeking a single-injection viscosupplement to avoid more frequent treatments.
• Patients with a good understanding and realistic expectations of what Monovisc treatment can offer regarding pain relief and mobility improvement are preferred.
• It is not recommended for individuals with known allergies to hyaluronan products to ensure patient safety.
• Patients with knee joint infections or skin diseases around the injection site should avoid this treatment to prevent complications.
• Choosing patients without significant comorbid conditions that might affect the outcome of the injection ensures better success rates.
• It’s essential that selected patients have not found relief in conservative treatments like physical therapy or non-prescription pain relievers.
• Candidates often include individuals looking for nondrug treatments to manage osteoarthritis knee pain effectively.
• Those without a history of allergic reactions to drugs or products used in viscosupplementation procedures are ideal candidates.

Careful patient selection helps maximize the benefits of Monovisc treatment while minimizing potential risks and side effects, ensuring a better quality of life for those struggling with osteoarthritis knee pain.

Precautions and Contraindications for Monovisc Injection

The FDA-approved Monovisc injection for knee pain due to osteoarthritis. Medical professionals must know the precautions and contraindications before recommending this treatment.

• Allergy Check: Ensure patients have no known allergies to hyaluronan products, as Monovisc comes from ultra-pure hyaluronan.
• Bleeding Disorders: Patients with bleeding disorders should be approached with caution because of the risk of bleeding in the joint.
• Pre-existing Joint Conditions: Avoid using Monovisc in infected or severely inflamed patients.
• Multiple Injections: While Monovisc is designed as a single-injection viscosupplement, repeating treatments without proper intervals can increase risks.
• Patient Selection: Not all patients experience pain relief from Monovisc; careful patient selection based on clinical history and alternative treatments tried is necessary.
• Aftercare: Within 48 hours post-injection, advise patients against strenuous activities or prolonged (more than an hour) weight-bearing activities such as running and heavy lifting to avoid putting too much strain on the treated knee.
• Side Effects Management: Educate patients about possible side effects, including pain, swelling, heat, and redness at the injection site, and provide them with strategies for managing these symptoms if they occur.

Efficacy and Safety

Clinical studies have shown that Monovisc effectively relieves knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. After trying other arthritis medications without success, many patients turn to Monovisc as a treatment option.

Experts agree that Monovisc is a safe option for treating knee osteoarthritis pain. It’s a high-molecular-weight hyaluronan injection approved by the FDA, making it a trusted choice among physicians.

Comparing Monovisc injection with other osteoarthritis knee pain treatments reveals a landscape of options, each with its unique mechanism of action, efficacy, and safety profile. Monovisc stands out as a single-injection viscosupplement designed to lubricate and cushion the knee joint, offering significant relief for osteoarthritis pain patients.

Treatment	Mechanism of Action	Efficacy	Safety
Monovisc Injection	Ultra-pure hyaluronan is injected directly into the knee joint to provide lubrication and cushioning.	Provides relief after other medications have not. FDA approved.	Generally, it is well-tolerated, but not all patients will have relief from pain.
Oral Medications (NSAIDs, Acetaminophen)	Reduces pain and inflammation systemically.	Varies widely; often used as first-line treatment.	It can cause gastrointestinal, renal, or cardiovascular side effects.
Steroid Injections	Anti-inflammatory corticosteroids are injected into the knee joint.	Quick pain relief, but effects are temporary.	Risk of joint infection, increased blood sugar, and potential joint damage with repeated use.
Physical Therapy	Improves knee joint function through targeted exercises.	Effectiveness depends on patient participation and the severity of osteoarthritis.	Very safe, with minimal risk of adverse effects.
Arthroscopic Surgery	Removes damaged tissue or repairs tissues in the knee.	It can provide relief for moderate to severe osteoarthritis.	Includes risks of surgery and anesthesia, plus potential for post-surgical complications.

 

Post-Treatment Care and Tips for Optimizing Outcomes

After getting a Monovisc shot, taking good care of your knee helps the treatment work better. Following doctor’s advice and gentle movement can reduce side effects and improve healing.

• Postinjection Care and Activity: After getting a Monovisc injection, taking care of your knee is critical. Keep the injection site clean and dry for at least 48 hours. This process helps prevent infection. It’s okay to walk, but heavy lifting or high-impact activities should wait a bit. Your doctor will tell you when it’s safe to return to these.
• Maximize the Benefits of Monovisc Treatment: To maximize Monovisc treatments, patients should follow their doctor’s instructions closely. Staying active with low-impact exercises like walking or swimming helps keep the knee joint healthy. Yet, avoiding strenuous activities that strain the knee right after getting a Monovisc is critical. Eating well and maintaining a healthy weight can also reduce pressure on the knees, enhancing treatment effects.
• Potential Side Effects: Side effects from Monovisc injections can happen, but they’re usually mild. After the shot, people might feel pain, swelling, or heat in their knees. These are signs your body is reacting to the treatmeDoctorstors suggest using ice packs and avoiding heavy activities for several to manage these symptoms.

Conclusion

Monovisc injection offers hope for those suffering from knee pain due to osteoarthritis. Its unique gel-like solution comforts and directly targets the affected joint.

As an FDA-approved treatment, it stands out in the line of care for knee osteoarthritis, promising relief when other therapies fall short. For many patients, Monovisc is a step towards regaining mobility and improving quality of life.

FAQs

1. What is a Monovisc injection for?

It’s a shot given to help with knee pain from arthritis.

2. Does getting a Monovisc injection hurt?

You might feel a quick pinch or pressure, but it’s over fast.

3. How long does it take for a Monovisc injection to work?

Some folks feel better in just a few days, but it can take up to two weeks for others.

4. Are there side effects from Monovisc injections?

Some people might have swelling or pain where they got the shot, but it usually doesn’t last long.

5. How often do I need to get Monovisc injections?

Most of the time, you only need one shot to feel better for several months.

References

Allied Market Research. (n.d.). Viscosupplementation market. Allied Market Research. Retrieved June 24, 2024, from https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/viscosupplementation-market-A08436

Drugs.com. (n.d.). Monovisc. Drugs.com. Retrieved June 24, 2024, from https://www.drugs.com/mtm/monovisc.html 

RxList. (n.d.). Monovisc (hyaluronan) drug overview. RxList. Retrieved June 24, 2024, from https://www.rxlist.com/monovisc-drug.htm