Orthovisc Vs. Synvisc – Comparing Viscosupplements

A recent systematic review and meta-analysis published in The BMJ revealed that viscosupplementation is associated with a slight reduction in pain intensity for patients with knee osteoarthritis. This treatment involves the injection of hyaluronic acid into the knee joint and showed a statistically significant higher risk of serious adverse events compared to placebo. Despite these risks, viscosupplementation remains a common intervention for managing osteoarthritis symptoms.

Two specific products stand out in the market: Orthovisc and Synvisc. Orthovisc, derived from bacterial fermentation, and Synvisc, sourced from rooster combs, aim to restore the natural joint fluid’s lubricating properties. Their differences in composition and viscosity are pivotal in determining their suitability for individual patients.

In this article, we will comprehensively compare Orthovisc and Synvisc. We’ll explore their effectiveness, safety profiles, and patient outcomes to provide a clear understanding of how these viscosupplements compare. 

Key Takeaways

• Viscosupplements such as Orthovisc and Synvisc are crucial in managing knee osteoarthritis by providing lubrication and cushioning to the affected joint.
• Understanding the composition, mechanism of action, clinical efficacy, and practical considerations of Orthovisc and Synvisc is essential for medical professionals to make informed treatment decisions for their patients.

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Understanding Viscosupplements

Viscosupplements are a type of treatment for people with knee osteoarthritis. They involve injecting hyaluronic acid into the knee joint. This process helps to mimic the natural fluid in the joints, which can become less effective in people with arthritis.

It’s vital to grasp how they are essential in managing knee osteoarthritis. These treatments offer much-needed relief for joint pain and mobility issues.

Introduction top Orthovisc

Orthovisc stands out with its unique makeup. It’s crafted from hyaluronic acid and shaped explicitly into a linear chain structure. This characteristic allows it to mimic the body’s natural joint fluid very closely.

Orthovisc acts like a lubricant and cushion for the knee joint. Each shot contains more hyaluronic acid, which helps with pain and improves knee function. This high hyaluronic acid mirrors what’s naturally found in healthy joints.

Research has consistently shown that this treatment reduces pain and improves function in knee osteoarthritis patients better than placebo, NSAIDs, and corticosteroids.

Synvisc

Synvisc is made from a special kind of hyaluronic acid. This substance is thicker and has a higher molecular weight. The unique thing about Synvisc is its cross-linked structure, setting it apart from others with a linear chain.

It provides a cushioning effect that helps reduce joint pain and inflammation. This action mimics the natural fluid in our joints, which helps protect cartilage and assists in managing arthritis pain.

Synvisc showed promising results in a head-to-head battle with Hyalgan, Orthovisc, and Euflexxa. In clinical trials, three injections of Synvisc led to better knee pain relief than one injection of Hyalgan.

Read our comprehensive comparison of Orthovisc vs. Euflexxa.

Comparative Analysis of Orthovisc and Synvisc

Delving into the specifics, we present a detailed head-to-head comparison between Orthovisc and Synvisc, highlighting their unique attributes and differences. This analysis aims to guide medical professionals in making informed decisions for their patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Feature	Orthovisc	Synvisc
Composition	Linear chain HA	Cross-linked HA
Mechanism of Action	Supplements of natural HA in the knee joint	Improves elasticity and viscosity of joint fluid
Efficacy	Reduces pain, improves mobility	Decreases pain and enhances joint function
Safety Profile	Fewer adverse reactions	Comparable safety, some reports of swelling
Injection Protocol	3-4 weekly injections	Single injection or three injections over several weeks
Clinical Studies	Positive outcomes in pain reduction and patient satisfaction	Significant improvements in knee pain and mobility

Practical Considerations for Choosing Between Orthovisc and Synvisc

Orthovisc and Synvisc are both used to treat knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. They help, but they can also cause side effects and reactions.

• Both can cause pain where the shot was given.
• Patients might feel stiffness in their knees after getting these treatments.
• Swelling around the injection area is expected.
• Some people experience itching at the site of injection.
• Numbness or tingling might happen, though it’s rare.
• A few patients report headaches after these injections.
• A feeling of dizziness or lightheadedness can occur.
• Back pain is another side effect that some have felt.
• After getting Orthovisc or Synvisc, joint pain (arthralgia) could worsen slightly.
• Short-term swelling inside the joint, known as edema or effusion, may happen.
• Pain and swelling from inflammation at the injection spot are also possible.

These injections are helpful, but knowing about these possible reactions helps manage them better if they appear.

Conclusion

Depending on your body’s needs, you can choose between Orthovisc and Synvisc for knee osteoarthritis. Both options aim to ease pain and improve movement. They use hyaluronan, mimicking the body’s natural joint fluid.

Studies show they help, but talk to a healthcare professional to find the best for you. After all, the goal is to get back on your feet with less pain.

FAQs

1. What’s the main difference between Orthovisc and Synvisc?

Orthovisc is made from a natural source, while Synvisc comes from a synthetic one.

2. How long do their effects last?

Orthovisc can last about six months, but Synvisc might last up to a year.

3. Can anyone use these treatments?

Most people can, but it’s always best to chat with your doctor first.

4. Are there any side effects?

Sure, both can have some pain or swelling at the injection site, but nothing too wild.

5. Do I need multiple injections?

With Orthovisc, you’re looking at 3-4 shots; Synvisc often works its magic in just one go.

References

BMJ. (2022). Viscosupplementation for knee osteoarthritis: Systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ, 378, e069722. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2022-069722

Peck, J., Slovek, A., Miro, P., Vij, N., Traube, B., Lee, C., Berger, A. A., Kassem, H., Kaye, A. D., Sherman, W. F., & Abd-Elsayed, A. (2021). A Comprehensive Review of Viscosupplementation in Osteoarthritis of the Knee. Orthopedic reviews, 13(2), 25549. https://doi.org/10.52965/001c.25549

Harris, M., Singh, A., Reddy, S., Bagga, P., Kneeland, J. B., Tjoumakaris, F. P., Hariharan, H., Marincola, F. M., & Reddy, R. (2016). Characterization of viscosupplementation formulations using chemical exchange saturation transfer (ViscoCEST). Journal of translational medicine, 14, 92. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12967-016-0850-8