A medical professional preparing an injection administration.

According to WebMD, Orthovisc knee injections received an average rating of 3.4 out of five stars with 200 patient reviews. This statistic shows that while outcomes may vary, Orthovisc remains a safe and effective option for individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OA) pain.

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) has affected millions of individuals worldwide, with its symptoms gradually worsening over time. Individuals with early to moderate knee OA often deal with worsening symptoms, prompting them to seek effective treatment solutions. Amidst many brand-name products, Orthovisc offers a three-injection therapy specifically designed for knee OA patients.

In this article, we will explore Orthovisc knee injections, their safety and efficacy, and medical professionals’ and patients’ insights and stories about the treatment.

Key Takeaways

  • When medical professionals appropriately administer Orthovisc knee injections, the lost HA in the synovial fluid replenishes, allowing lubrication and cushioning for the joints.
  • While medical research has yet to create more clinical studies about Orthovisc knee injections, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves this viscosupplement, ensuring its safety.
  • Medical professionals know the most appropriate method for administering these injections to ensure that individuals receive the maximum benefits.
  • Understanding adverse events and implementing risk-minimization strategies are crucial in providing comprehensive information to patients, allowing them to make informed decisions for their healthcare.
  • Orthovisc injections effectively addressed knee osteoarthritis (OA) pain and improved the joint function of the patients.
  • Selecting suitable patients for Orthovisc knee injections can achieve optimal outcomes without compromising health.

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Introduction to Orthovisc Injections

Orthovisc knee injection's packaging.

Most individuals may seek non-surgical options to effectively treat their knee osteoarthritis (OA) symptoms. Medical professionals may recommend viscosupplementation for individuals with mild to moderate OA. Viscosupplements involve injecting hyaluronic acid into the affected joints to bring symptomatic relief.

Orthovisc is a viscosupplement used to minimize pain caused by knee OA. This knee injection backs on hyaluronic acid (HA) potency and other ingredients to complete a safe and effective injection option. The joint spaces, specifically the synovial fluid, naturally contain HA.

When medical professionals appropriately administer Orthovisc knee injections, the lost HA in the synovial fluid replenishes. This HA substance acts as a lubricant and shock absorber for the joints, allowing pain-free movement and improved function and mobility.

The primary purpose of Orthovisc knee injection therapy is to reduce knee pain caused by OA. When individuals do not respond to first-line treatments and simple analgesics, medical professionals may suggest this minimally invasive option. Orthovisc knee injections are shown as an alternative, and here are several key benefits.

  • Pain Relief: Clinical trials in the United States have demonstrated that Orthovisc knee injections provide pain relief to OA patients.
  • Non-Avian Source: Compared to other viscosupplements, Orthovisc is non-animal sourced, making it a suitable option for those seeking relief without avian-derived products.
  • Long-Lasting: Orthovisc knee injections can deliver relief for several months, allowing patients to resume daily activities with reduced discomfort.

Efficacy and Safety of Orthovisc Injections

Healthcare providers must administer these injections into the patient’s affected joints to ensure a safe and effective treatment process. However, it’s worth noting that individuals should take note of the contraindications that Orthovisc has to avoid severe complications.

  • Do not administer to individuals with allergies or hypersensitivity to hyaluronan or gram-positive bacterial proteins.
  • Do not administer to patients with skin disease or infections in the injection site.
  • Do not administer to patients with bleeding disorders.

Besides the contraindications of Orthovisc, it’s necessary to read about clinical studies and research about the product. This allows medical professionals and patients to know and understand Orthovisc knee injections, their formulation, benefits, safety, and efficacy.

Neustadt et al. (2005) reported that intra-articular injections with high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid, like Orthovisc, can also enhance clinical outcomes in an advanced stage of knee OA. Moreover, another study reported significantly superior outcomes in several pain and function outcomes with Orthovisc compared to saline.

While medical research has yet to create more clinical studies about Orthovisc knee injections, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves this viscosupplement, ensuring its safety. With the administration of a licensed and experienced healthcare provider, individuals can achieve the maximum benefits of Orthovisc and a smooth procedure.

This knee OA treatment offers significant benefits and long-lasting relief to their individuals. For individuals learning about Orthovisc knee injections, here’s what patients can expect after the treatment.

  • Pain Reduction
  • Enhanced Joint Mobility
  • Quick Procedure
  • Minimal Downtime

Injection Techniques and Treatment Protocols

A healthcare provider administering a knee injection.

Patients must also meticulously research and survey the clinics for a safe and worry-free procedure. Medical professionals must keep these primary considerations to ensure patients feel secure during the treatment.

  • Clean Workspace: A clean, organized work area can prevent infections and assure patient safety.
  • Hand Hygiene: Providers must thoroughly wash their hands before handling any injection materials.
  • Use Sterile Equipment and Newly Opened Orthovisc: They must open the product before the procedure begins and utilize a new sterile syringe after every injection.
  • Skin Disinfection: Medical professionals must properly disinfect the injection site to minimize the risk of contaminants in the body.

Moreover,  medical professionals know the most appropriate method for administering these injections to ensure that individuals receive the maximum benefits. They must follow these best practices for optimal outcomes of Orthovisc knee injections.

  • Injection Schedule: Healthcare providers and patients must complete Orthovisc’s three-injection therapy to receive the most significant treatment results. The suggested and typical interval for each Orthovisc knee shot is one week apart.
  • Initial Stiffness: After receiving an Orthovick knee injection, patients may experience stiffness in the joint for a few hours. Resting is required, and patients can move gradually as the stiffness subsides.
  • Avoid Strenuous Activities and Water Immersion: Patients should avoid soaking the knee in water for 48 hours after the injection and excessive movements that may stress the knee.
  • Long-Term Effects: The full effect of Orthovisc knee injections is typically felt four to six weeks after the injection. After six months, patients may ask their trusted doctors for repeat treatments.

The Orthovisc dosage requires an intra-articular injection into the knee joint. The treatment requires 2 mL of Orthovisc weekly for three weeks. Medical professionals must remove joint effusion before injection. Understanding the dosing frequency and treatment protocols is critical for achieving the desired outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Management of Adverse Events

An individual suffering from knee pain.

Understanding adverse events and implementing risk-minimization strategies are crucial in providing comprehensive information to patients. As they learn about these risks, patients can make informed decisions for their healthcare. Patients must contact their doctors immediately for medical attention if any of these symptoms persist.

  • Joint Pain and Swelling: Some patients may experience increased joint pain, stiffness, or swelling after Orthovisc knee injections, but this may usually resolve within a few hours. Rest and gentle movement can help minimize discomfort.
  • Injection Site Reactions: Mild redness, pain, or swelling at the injection site can occur. Applying ice and avoiding excessive pressure on the knee can lessen these effects.
  • Headache and Dizziness: Orthovisc may rarely cause headaches or dizziness. However, if these symptoms worsen, consult your healthcare provider.
  • Itching, Numbness, or Tingling: These sensations are infrequent but may occur. Inform your doctor if they persist.

Orthovisc storage, handling, and administration can affect the procedure’s outcomes. During Orthovisc knee injection therapies, healthcare providers may incorporate strategies that significantly help minimize risks. Discussing these factors with patients can make them feel comfortable during the process.

  • Patient Selection
  • Proper Administration Technique
  • Sterile Equipment
  • Monitoring
  • Post-Injection Care

Real-World Experiences and Case Studies

Clinical studies and research can help medical professionals and individuals understand Orthovisc therapies. While medical professionals’ testimonials are not readily available online, several researchers have shared studies about Orthovisc’s treatment outcomes.

According to Webner et al. (2021), intra-articular Orthovisc knee injections ranked superior over intra-articular saline, specifically in a level II study. It effectively addressed knee osteoarthritis (OA) pain and improved the joint function of the patients.

Moreover, the study also compared Orthovisc to an intra-articular placebo, which resulted in the viscosupplement injection’s statistically significantly higher proportion of responders. It yielded a 20% relative improvement after all four injection treatments.

The study also highlights Orthovisc’s comparison with intra-articular corticosteroids. A three-month follow-up showed statistically significant superior pain and functional outcomes with Orthovisc knee injections. Also, six months of observation demonstrated Orthovisc’s superiority over dexamethasone for pain.

Aside from research studies, several patients have shared their treatment outcomes. Most have mentioned their positive reactions from the Orthovisc-treated patients.

A 49-year-old female patient shared how Orthovisc works effectively after their treatment. Physical therapy has not given adequate relief, so their doctor recommends Orthovisc knee injections for knee osteoarthritis pain and symptoms.

An Orthovisc-treated patient's review at WebMD.

A male individual with knee OA also left a review at WebMD with their significant experience with Orthovisc knee injections. They have been getting Orthovisc shots for their knees for over five years, allowing them to continue their swing dancing actively.

An Orthovisc-treated patient's review at WebMD.

Practical Tips for Optimizing Orthovisc Therapy

Selecting suitable patients for Orthovisc knee injections can achieve optimal outcomes without compromising health. A thorough consultation can allow medical professionals to assess individuals before proceeding with the Orthovisc injections.

  • Clinical Evaluation: Individuals should undergo a complete assessment of the patient’s medical history, health status, and knee pain severity. Age, comorbidities, and previous therapies may affect the outcomes.
  • Osteoarthritis Diagnosis: Medical professionals must confirm the diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis (OA) through X-rays or clinical evaluation.
  • Failed Conservative Measures: Healthcare providers typically recommend Orthovisc knee injections when other conservative treatments have not provided adequate relief.
  • Allergy Screening: Ensure patients are not hypersensitive to hyaluronan or gram-positive bacterial proteins to avoid further complications.
  • Informed Consent: Discuss the procedure’s benefits, risks, and realistic expectations to the patient, as informed consent is necessary before Orthovisc therapy. Patients can make decisions when they have enough information about the process.

Effective post-injection care contributes to successful treatment outcomes. Healthcare professionals may suggest tips for proper post-injection care. Consistently following your doctor’s advice can ensure that individuals receive the maximum Orthovisc benefits.

  • Rest and Ice Application
  • Monitor Discomfort
  • Avoid Intense Activities 48 Hours Post-Injection
  • Avoid Water Immersion 48 Hours Post-Injection

While patients can expect common side effects after the injections, they can also receive long-term benefits from Orthovisc. Side effects may subside once the body adapts to the medicine, and it can bring symptomatic relief for up to six months.

Furthermore, medical professionals may recommend follow-up visits to monitor the patient’s response to treatment, adjust the necessary Orthovisc dosage, recommend repeat treatment, and educate patients about realistic expectations.

Conclusion

Orthovisc knee injections are a viscosupplement used to treat knee osteoarthritis (OA) symptoms such as joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. Clinical studies and research have shown it can offer significant symptomatic relief for six months. Medical professionals may recommend Orthovisc knee injections to individuals who have tried simple analgesics but failed to give adequate relief.

Healthcare providers must ensure proper and careful administration, monitoring, and patient education are critical for optimal outcomes. Patients must know about the safety, efficacy, and entire treatment procedure of Orthovisc, allowing them to make informed healthcare decisions.

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References

  1. User Reviews for ORTHOVISC Intra-Articular. (n.d.). Reviews.webmd.com. Retrieved April 15, 2024, from https://reviews.webmd.com/drugs/drugreview-81236-orthovisc-intra-articular
  2. Orthovisc Patient Brochure. (n.d.). Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices. https://www.jnjmedtech.com/sites/default/files/user_uploaded_assets/pdf_assets/2020-11/110163-190323%20DSUS%20-%20ORTHOVISC%20Patient%20Brochure_v4%20(3).pdf