According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 15 million individuals in the United States have reported severe joint pain due to arthritis. This statistic underscores the plight of those who endure limited mobility and a decreased quality of life due to the symptoms of joint diseases.
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) manifests in individuals through symptoms such as joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. This degenerative joint condition often urges patients to seek solutions for its progressively worsening symptoms. Fortunately, Orthovisc offers a three-injection therapy that has been shown to relieve knee OA symptoms for those treated.
This article will discuss Orthovisc knee injections, how the treatment addresses knee OA concerns, and its safety and efficacy.
Key Takeaways
- Orthovisc mainly comprises high molecular weight hyaluronic acid to specifically treat individuals’ knee osteoarthritis (OA).
- While inadequate clinical studies are available online, several research studies have shown the safety and efficacy of Orthovisc treatments.
- Medical professionals may recommend this injection treatment for individuals who have not responded to first-line therapies or simple analgesics.
- Orthovisc knee injections may require multiple shots, but a session typically lasts 15 to 30 minutes and causes minimal to no discomfort.
- Providers should educate patients about the entire Orthovisc therapy, its maximum benefits, potential risks, and post-injection care so that they can make informed healthcare decisions.
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Mechanism of Action of Orthovisc
Viscosupplementation has risen as a popular non-surgical option for individuals with early to moderate knee osteoarthritis. Orthovisc mainly comprises high molecular weight hyaluronic acid to treat individuals’ knee osteoarthritis (OA). This injection therapy requires medical professionals to administer Orthovisc knee injections into the affected knee joint.
When injected into the area, Orthovisc knee injections can offer symptomatic relief. Knee OA occurs when the cartilage tears and wears down, causing friction, pain, and inflammation. Fortunately, this Orthovisc therapy works by lubricating and cushioning the knee joints.
The knee joint needs natural, healthy hyaluronic acid in the synovial fluid, allowing the joints to move freely and painlessly. Orthovisc knee injections effectively lubricate and shock absorb the joints. The shots replenish the lost hyaluronic acid in the synovial fluid, making movement easier for knee OA patients and improving their quality of life.
Besides lubricating and cushioning, Orthovisc knee injections also help reduce inflammation and protect the remaining cartilage from damage. The overall effect of Orthovisc knee injection is that knee pain reduction leads to enhanced mobility and function.
Physical activity after Orthovisc therapy can help lubricate the joints, strengthen the muscles, and improve flexibility. These factors can improve joint function, reduce pain, and reduce stiffness. However, medical professionals’ guidance and administration of Orthovisc can make this possible.
Efficacy and Safety of Orthovisc Shots
While inadequate clinical studies are available online, several research studies have shown the safety and efficacy of Orthovisc treatments. According to Neustadt et al. (2005), the clinical effects of this high molecular weight hyaluronic acid revealed its safety and effectiveness in treating mild to severe knee OA.
The study’s primary outcome measure revealed a 20% relative and 50 mm absolute improvement from baseline in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) pain score at weeks 8, 12, 16, and 22 post-baseline.
Moreover, a study by Dasa et al. (2016) showed evidence from a US health plan claims database of Orthovisc’s long-term effectiveness. It also showed that Orthovisc knee injections offered longer delays to total knee replacement.
Aside from medical researchers, patients have also shared their experiences with Orthovisc treatments. It’s worth noting that individual responses may vary, so a thorough consultation with a doctor is necessary. WebMD has positive user reviews from Orthovisc-treated patients on how the treatment eliminated pain and improved joint mobility.
Photo Source: GrandmaPink via WebMD
Photo Source: Anonymous via WebMD
Orthovisc may be generally safe and well-tolerated for most individuals, but common side effects may still occur. Pain and swelling at the injection site are common side effects that may subside after the body adapts to the medicine and often do not lead to further complications.
Furthermore, the most commonly reported adverse events observed in the clinical studies are as follows:
- Joint Pain
- Back Pain
- Headache
Patients must immediately contact their trusted healthcare providers for medical attention if these common adverse effects persist. This can help prevent further complications that may lead to compromised health.
Practical Considerations for Medical Professionals
Individuals must seek medical professionals’ guidance to ensure safe and effective Orthovisc knee injection therapies. Moreover, these professionals may recommend this treatment for individuals who have not responded to first-line therapies or simple analgesics. Aside from this indication, healthcare providers must follow patient selection criteria for Orthovisc knee injections.
According to the prescribing guidelines for Orthovisc, there are numerous contraindications that healthcare providers need to adhere to strictly. Refraining from administering Orthovisc to people with these conditions can significantly prevent additional complications related to osteoarthritis (OA) and overall well-being.
- Do not administer to patients with known hypersensitivity or allergy to hyaluronate preparations.
- Do not administer to patients with known allergies to avian or avian-derived products (including eggs, feathers, or poultry).
- Do not inject Orthovisc in the knees of patients with infections or skin diseases in the area of the injection site or joint.
Medical practitioners are well-versed in the optimal method of administering Orthovisc knee injections to address a patient’s knee osteoarthritis issues effectively. This injection treatment may require multiple shots, but a session typically lasts 15 to 30 minutes and causes minimal to no discomfort.
- Injection Site: Healthcare professionals must inject Orthovisc directly into the affected knee joint using an aseptic technique. The patient may numb the knee with a local or topical anesthetic before the injection to minimize pain or discomfort.
- Injection Procedure: Providers must also drain joint effusion to prevent complications during or after the procedure. Per the Food and Drug Administration’s guidelines for Orthovisc dosage, healthcare professionals must adhere to a rigorous aseptic injection technique when administering the shots.
The initial dosage recommendation for Orthovisc involves a weekly injection of 2 mL into the affected knee joint. The Orthovisc treatment plan typically requires three to four weeks. Strict adherence to this regimen is crucial for attaining the patient’s targeted outcomes and prolonged relief from knee osteoarthritis symptoms.
Optimizing Patient Care with Orthovisc
Medical professionals and patients can collaborate and create a tailored treatment to ensure the procedure’s safety and efficacy. These providers can align the benefits of Orthovisc knee injections to the patient’s health, knee osteoarthritis (OA) condition, desired goals, and specific needs.
Moreover, providers can apply combination therapies to maximize a comprehensive treatment plan for their patients. After Orthovisc knee injections, they may suggest physical therapy, oral medications, or a consistent exercise routine to sustain the long-term treatment outcomes.
Medical professionals need to manage patients’ expectations for Orthovisc therapies. This allows patients to set realistic expectations for themselves, which can increase their satisfaction after treatment. Providers should also educate the patients about the entire Orthovisc therapy, maximum benefits, potential risks, and post-injection care to make informed healthcare decisions.
Regular visits to a medical professional allow them to monitor the patient’s treatment response, potential side effects, and the following steps for sustained outcomes. They may recommend repeat treatment after six months for individuals with knee OA symptoms gradually returning. It’s worth noting that patients should ask their doctors when to return to their active lifestyles safely after injection.
Conclusion
Orthovisc has proven beneficial for treating knee osteoarthritis (OA). Its three-injection therapy can provide pain relief and improved joint mobility for patients who have not responded to other conservative treatments. Its ability to supplement the joints with lubrication and cushioning properties can help manage this joint condition.
Research may offer potential advancements in Orthovisc and knee OA treatments. Non-surgical options may continue to evolve, leading to more effective and longer-lasting solutions. For now, Orthovisc serves as a powerful solution for knee OA patients wishing to manage the symptoms of this degenerative joint disease.
FAQs
1) What causes joint pain?
In this case, individuals can experience joint pain caused by knee osteoarthritis (OA). When knee OA occurs, the cartilage tears and wears down, causing friction and chronic pain when moving.
2) How do Orthovisc knee injections work?
Orthovisc knee injections effectively lubricate and shock-absorb the joints as they replenish the lost hyaluronic acid in the synovial fluid. This makes movement easier and pain-free for knee OA patients.
3) What are the potential adverse events of Orthovisc?
In clinical studies, joint pain, back pain, and headache are the most commonly reported adverse events. When these persist, immediately contact your trusted doctor.
4) How long does an Orthovisc procedure take?
Patients can expect an Orthovisc injection session to last 15 to 30 minutes. A complete cycle requires three to four injections at weekly intervals.
References
- Joint Pain and Arthritis. (2019). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/pain/index.htm
- 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
