
Viscosupplementation is a treatment for osteoarthritis that involves injecting hyaluronic acid into the joints to improve lubrication and reduce pain. Studies show that viscosupplements can effectively alleviate knee osteoarthritis symptoms, especially for patients who do not respond well to other treatments. The global demand for these treatments is growing, driven by the rising prevalence of osteoarthritis and the convenience of single-injection options.
Among the most well-known viscosupplements is Synvisc, a hyaluronic acid-based injection designed to mimic the natural fluid in the joints and provide relief from osteoarthritis-related discomfort.
In this article, we will explore the key components of Synvisc, its benefits, and what makes it a valuable treatment option for osteoarthritis.
Key Takeaways
- Synvisc is a viscosupplement designed to treat knee osteoarthritis by mimicking the natural fluid in the joint, providing lubrication and cushioning to improve joint mobility and reduce pain.
- The active ingredients in Synvisc are hylan A (fluid) and hylan B (gel), both derived from hyaluronan found in chicken combs. Together, they act as a lubricant and shock absorber in the knee joint.
- Hylan A provides immediate lubrication to reduce friction, while hylan B offers long-term cushioning to protect the joint from further damage.
- Synvisc offers long-lasting relief for up to six months, making it an effective treatment option for patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis who haven’t responded well to other treatments.
- The treatment is minimally invasive and provides an alternative to more aggressive options like surgery, helping patients manage daily activities with reduced discomfort.
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What is Synvisc?

Synvisc is a viscosupplement designed to treat knee osteoarthritis by mimicking the natural fluid found in the joint. It is a gel-like injection made from hyaluronan, a substance derived from chicken combs, which helps to restore the lubrication and cushioning that osteoarthritis patients lose over time. By acting as a cushion and lubricant, Synvisc reduces friction between the bones, easing pain and improving joint function.
Synvisc is typically used to treat patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis who have not responded well to other treatments, such as physical therapy or pain medications. The injection helps alleviate pain, making daily activities like walking and bending easier.
The Role of Hylan A and Hylan B in Synvisc

Hylan A and Hylan B are the two key components in Synvisc that make it effective for treating knee osteoarthritis. Both are derived from hyaluronan, a substance found in chicken combs. Hylan A is a fluid, while Hylan B is a gel. Together, they mimic the natural synovial fluid in the knee, helping the joint move more smoothly.
Hylan A provides immediate lubrication to the joint, reducing friction between bones during movement. Hylan B, on the other hand, offers long-lasting shock absorption, acting like a cushion that protects the joint from further wear and tear. This combination makes Synvisc highly effective in reducing knee pain and improving mobility, with results that can last up to six months.
The benefits of using hylan A and hylan B in Synvisc are clear: they enhance joint lubrication and act as a cushion, helping patients regain mobility and perform daily activities without pain.
When comparing Synvisc vs Monovisc, both treatments use hyaluronic acid, but Synvisc’s unique combination of hylan A and B provides both short-term relief and longer-lasting protection, making it a preferred option for many patients.
The Formulation of Synvisc

The primary active ingredients in Synvisc are hylan A and hylan B, which are derived from hyaluronan, a natural substance found in rooster combs. Additionally, the formulation contains a saline solution that serves as a carrier for the active ingredients, ensuring they are easily administered via injection.
- Hylan A: This is a fluid form of hyaluronan that closely mimics the natural synovial fluid found in the knee joint. It provides immediate lubrication to reduce friction between bones.
- Hylan B: This is a gel-like form of hyaluronan that creates a cushioning effect within the joint, acting as a shock absorber to protect against further damage.
The Specific Role of Each Ingredient in the Formulation
- Hylan A works as a lubricant, helping to restore the smooth movement of the joint by reducing friction. This is crucial for patients with osteoarthritis, whose natural joint fluid has broken down, leading to painful movements.
- Hylan B, with its gel-like consistency, plays the role of a shock absorber. It provides additional cushioning to the knee joint, helping to prevent further wear and tear on the cartilage. This component is essential for maintaining joint integrity and preventing pain during activities like walking or climbing stairs.
- The saline solution helps to dilute and stabilize the hylan compounds, making it easier for the doctor to inject the product and ensuring it spreads evenly throughout the knee joint.
How the Combination of Ingredients Works to Provide Relief for Osteoarthritis Patients
The combination of hylan A and hylan B in Synvisc provides both immediate and long-lasting relief for patients with osteoarthritis. Hylan A offers short-term lubrication, ensuring that the joint can move smoothly right after the injection. At the same time, hylan B forms a protective gel that cushions the joint over time, reducing pain and preventing further cartilage degradation.
Conclusion
Synvisc is a unique viscosupplement derived from hyaluronan, sourced from chicken combs. Its formulation, which includes hylan A (fluid), hylan B (gel), and a saline solution, works together to provide lubrication and cushioning to the knee joint, reducing pain and improving movement.
For individuals with osteoarthritis, Synvisc offers long-lasting relief, helping to ease discomfort and enhance mobility for up to six months after treatment.
FAQs
1. What is Synvisc made of?
Synvisc is primarily composed of hylan A (fluid) and hylan B (gel), both derived from hyaluronan, which is found in chicken combs. These ingredients mimic the natural synovial fluid in the knee, providing lubrication and shock absorption.
2. How long does the relief from Synvisc last?
The effects of Synvisc can last for up to six months, though the exact duration may vary from patient to patient depending on the severity of their osteoarthritis and how well they respond to the treatment.
3. Is Synvisc suitable for all osteoarthritis patients?
Synvisc is typically recommended for patients with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis who have not found sufficient relief from other treatments, such as physical therapy or oral pain medications. It is a non-surgical option for managing osteoarthritis symptoms.
References
Viscosupplementation treatment for arthritis. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Published December 15, 2021. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/arthritis/viscosupplementation-treatment-for-arthritis
Spherical Insights. (n.d.). Viscosupplementation market. Retrieved October 11, 2024, from https://www.sphericalinsights.com/reports/viscosupplementation-market
RxList. (n.d.). Synvisc (Hylan G-F 20) drug information. Retrieved September 18, 2024, from https://www.rxlist.com/synvisc-drug.htm
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