In 2021, a comprehensive review shed light on the potency of viscosupplementation. It demonstrated its ability to reduce pain and enhance functional mobility, outperforming placebo and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The study underscored the effectiveness of this hyaluronic acid injection treatment as a promising solution for individuals suffering from knee osteoarthritis.
For those dealing with the painful symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA), hyaluronic acid injections into the affected joints have become an increasingly popular treatment option. These targeted injections enable patients to resume their daily activities and maintain an active lifestyle. Products like Durolane and Orthovisc offer symptomatic relief from OA, providing much-needed comfort for patients.
This article will explore knee osteoarthritis, how Durolane and Orthovisc work, and the safety and efficacy of these minimally invasive injection therapies.
Key Takeaways
- Knee osteoarthritis results when the protective cartilage wears down while the bone around the joint grows or loses its normal smooth contours.
- Knee OA can start slowly or quickly after an injury or strain. Its symptoms are progressive, and changes can happen over time.
- Non-surgical treatments aim to manage pain, improve joint function, and temporarily slow disease progression.
- Durolane acts as a lubricant and shock absorber, reducing pain and enhancing joint mobility. Its mechanism of action is similar to that of Orthovisc.
- Researchers and medical professionals have produced case studies and research supporting the effectiveness of Durolane and Orthovisc in treating OA symptoms.
- Durolane and Orthvisc are back on their hyaluronic acid-based injections to effectively manage degenerative joint disease.
Introduction to Knee Osteoarthritis and Treatment Options
Knee osteoarthritis commonly occurs in older individuals aged 55 and above. This degenerative joint disease results when the protective cartilage wears down while the bone around the joint grows or loses its normal smooth contours. Millions of people worldwide are affected by this form of arthritis.
The symptoms of knee osteoarthritis develop slowly and worsen over time. They can affect the entire joint, including the tissues around it. Typically, they can affect the knees, hips, spine, and hands.
- Pain: The joint pain usually worsens after activity or overuse.
- Joint Stiffness: This symptom may be most noticeable after being inactive.
- Tenderness: This can happen in or near the affected joint.
- Loss of Flexibility: When the joint loses its lubrication, it loses its flexibility and limits the range of motion.
- Swelling: This symptom can occur due to the soft tissue inflammation around the joint.
These symptoms can significantly reduce the quality of life of individuals suffering from OA. Knee osteoarthritis can start slowly or quickly after an injury or strain. Often, these symptoms are progressive, and changes can happen over time.
Non-surgical treatments aim to manage pain, improve joint function, and temporarily slow disease progression. Professionals may recommend various treatments for individuals suffering from knee osteoarthritis. While surgical procedures may be deemed permanent and effective, minimally invasive procedures can help maintain a pain-free routine.
- Physical Therapy: This suggestion can strengthen muscles and improve joint flexibility. Physical therapy can support and stabilize the knee joint to regain mobility.
- Weight Management: Some may recommend that OA patients maintain a healthy weight to minimize knee or joint stress.
- Pain-Relief Medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can minimize and manage pain and inflammation for mild symptoms. The over-the-counter NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen.
- Injections: Various injections may help reduce a few or all symptoms of OA. Corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) may be used, depending on the individual and professional’s thorough consultation.
- Assistive Devices: This solution, like braces or canes, may support individuals and enhance their mobility.
- Lifestyle Changes: Lifestyle modifications can also address the symptoms of OA, such as low-impact exercises and hot or cold therapy.
- Alternative Therapies: Some individuals may find relief with treatments like acupuncture and massage.
Mechanism of Action of Durolane
Bioventus developed Durolane, a clear and viscous gel containing highly purified hyaluronic acid (HA). This sodium hyaluronate occurs in the body, specifically in joint tissue and the fluid around the joint. HA works as a lubricant and shock absorber in the knee joint.
So, how does Durolane work? When injected into the affected joint, the HA can restore the balance of the hyaluronic acid in the joint. Durolane acts as a lubricant and shock absorber, reducing pain and enhancing joint mobility.
How long for Durolane to work? Patient testimonials reveal that receiving a positive outcome takes a few days after treatment. Moreover, in about a week or two, Durolane patients can achieve the full and relieving results of the injection therapy.
- Direct Treatment
- Repeatable Procedure
- Delay or Avoid Surgery
- Long-Term Pain Relief
- Quick Administration
Mechanism of Action of Orthovisc
For individuals wondering about Durolane vs. Orthovisc, the two injections can address knee osteoarthritis symptoms. Orthovisc offers a solution that contains high-molecular-weight and highly purified hyaluronate. It supplements the joint’s natural synovial fluid to improve the affected joint’s function and mobility.
So, how does Orthovisc work? Like Durolane, Orthovisc acts as the lubricant and shock absorber of the joints. It acts similarly to the fluid surrounding the joint and can supplement joint cushioning and pain relief when injected intra-articularly. This injection treatment contains a few more ingredients, such as:
- Repeating Disaccharide Units of Sodium Glucuronate
- N-acetylglucosamine
This hyaluronic acid injection can also deliver optimal results, replenishing the lost synovial fluid in the joint to restore its function. The benefits can last up to 26 weeks, with patients noticing these effects as early as two weeks after the treatment.
- Pain Relief
- Supplements Synovial Fluid
- Quick Administration
- Delay or Avoid Surgery
- Repeatable Procedure
While these injections may offer similar effects, patients should remember to consult their trusted medical professionals to know the right product. These HA injections may provide optimal results, but it’s worth noting that only professional expertise can make the procedure safe and effective for the patients.
Target Audience for Durolane and Orthovisc
Before starting treatment, individuals should set an appointment or consultation with their trusted physicians. They can create a tailored treatment plan for each individual and ensure they choose the best procedure for each patient. These treatment plans enable professionals to consider one’s overall health instead of focusing on targeting the OA symptoms.
Durolane can help individuals diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis who are experiencing stiffness and pain in the area. This single-therapy injection can benefit those who have not found relief from oral medications, physical therapy, or NSAIDs. Durolane may be generally safe for most people; however, some individuals should avoid it.
- Patients who have knee joint infection, skin disease, or infection around the injection site
- Patients who are allergic to sodium hyaluronate products
- The Durolane manufacturer has yet to test this solution on lactating or pregnant women and children.
On the other hand, Orthovisc can treat knee pain in patients, specifically those suffering from osteoarthritis. This injection can also address individuals who do not respond to other non-surgical treatments, such as acetaminophen, exercise, or physical therapy. While this injection treatment can be safe for individuals, it has specific conditions that patients and professionals must consider.
- Patients allergic to hyaluronate formulations or gram-positive bacterial proteins
- Patients with an infection in their knee or skin around the affected area
- Patients allergic to avian or avian-derived products (including eggs, feathers, or poultry)
Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Durolane and Orthovisc
When researching a treatment procedure or a product, individuals may prefer to hear and read the insights of medical professionals. Researchers and medical professionals have produced case studies and research supporting the effectiveness of Durolane in treating OA symptoms.
According to a six-year observational study, Durolane can provide pain relief to patients up to more than a year after initial treatment. Those who received subsequent injections also faced extended effects. A clinical evidence review also revealed that a single injection of NASHA demonstrated sustained and effective relief of knee OA symptoms.
Furthermore, professionals should explain the safety profile of Orthovisc to patients, allowing them to make informed decisions for their treatment. Medical professionals can only use this injection to treat knee joint concerns. The HA in the injection came from rooster combs and is a sterile, non-pyrogenic, clear viscoelastic solution containing sodium hyaluronate in physiologic saline.
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the clinical trials conducted in the US exhibited pain relief in patients who had not received relief from simple pain medication or exercise. Studies have yet to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of this treatment on joints and body parts other than the knee.
A clinical effects study supported this, concluding that Orthovisc is a safe and effective treatment of mild to severe knee OA. Moreover, pain relief may only be noticeable after the third injection.
Conclusion
Durolane and Orthvisc are back on their hyaluronic acid-based injections to effectively manage degenerative joint disease. These injection treatments work as lubricants and shock absorbers to minimize pain, improve joint mobility, and enhance individuals’ quality of life. Despite their efficacy, patients should always consult their doctors to determine whether these injections can benefit them.
The two differ in formulations, and learning about their specific benefits and potential risks may help patients make informed healthcare decisions. They can offer long-lasting results, quick procedures, and direct treatment, as well as address the OA symptoms to improve one’s life. Professionals utilizing a patient-centric approach can manage knee OA effectively and ensure safety.
About: Medica Depot is your trusted all-in-one supplier, offering a range of high-quality medical injectables and supplies. We offer a worry-free experience in searching for the best and most popular products on the market, like Durolane. Whether for health professionals, plastic surgeons, dermatologists, licensed estheticians, or other specialists, we can offer genuine, brand-name products you may need. With Medica Depot, we prioritize serving you better to improve the patient’s quality of life.
References
- 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. (2021b). A Comprehensive Review of Viscosupplementation in Osteoarthritis of the Knee. Orthopedic Reviews. https://doi.org/10.52965/001c.25549
- World Health Organization. (2023, July 14). Osteoarthritis. Www.who.int. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/osteoarthritis
