According to Peck et al. (2021), viscosupplementation is a non-surgical treatment that effectively treats joint diseases. Using hyaluronic acid injections alleviates pain, improves joint mobility, and shows significant benefits in treating degenerative diseases like knee osteoarthritis (OA).
Hyaluronic acid injection has emerged as a popular solution for those experiencing knee discomfort caused by OA. This treatment is injected directly into the knee joints, allowing patients to resume their daily activities and active lifestyles. Products like Hyalgan and Synovisc relieve knee OA pain, offering patients much-needed comfort.
In this article, we will explore Hyalgan knee injections and its difference to Synbisc, the five-injection therapy’s potential side effects, and the preventive measures for adverse events after treatment.
Key Takeaways
- Viscosupplementation supplements the fluid with hyaluronic acid, which acts as a lubricant and shock absorber for the joints.
- Hyalgan and Synvisc offer hyaluronic acid orthopedic treatments used for knee osteoarthritis.
- Hyalgan and Synvisc utilize the potency of hyaluronic acid (HA) to mimic the body’s HA in the synovial fluid, lubricating and cushioning the joints, alleviating pain, and enhancing mobility.
- Hyalgan and Synvisc deliver impressive efficacy over placebo and saline in pain reduction and improved mobility.
- Hyalgan offers three- and five-injection options, while Synvisc provides single- and three-injection solutions.
- Clinical trials and real-world data suggest that knee HA injections can reduce pain from OA for up to six months.
Introduction to Viscosupplementation
Viscosupplementation has gained attention for its potential to manage chronic knee pain, particularly in osteoarthritis (OA) conditions. This medical procedure involves injecting hyaluronic acid (HA) into the affected joint, such as the knees. Viscosupplementation aims to restore the viscoelasticity in the synovial fluid, which wears down because of OA.
This treatment requires direct injection into the arthritic joint, which means a medical professional should administer the HA shot. The medical field considers HA injections generally safe, as the substance naturally occurs in the synovial fluid surrounding the joints.
This HA injection supplements the fluid with hyaluronic acid, which acts as a lubricant and shock absorber for the joints. It can improve joint function and reduce cartilage friction during movement when appropriately injected.
For individuals suffering from mild to moderate knee OA, surgical solutions may not be their first option. Adding HA to the affected joint through viscosupplementation can help minimize pain and discomfort and facilitate pain-free movement.
Formulations of Hyalgan and Synvisc
Various brands of viscosupplement entered the market, but Hyalgan and Synvisc became popular choices. A healthcare provider should administer these products via intra-articular injections. Hyalgan and Synvisc offer hyaluronic acid orthopedic treatments used for knee osteoarthritis.
Hyalgan utilizes purified sodium hyaluronate (HA), which has a high molecular weight. They extracted the HA from rooster combs, which are known to have high amounts. The HA found in Hyalgan effectively cushions and lubricates the joints during movement.
Meanwhile, Synvisc is a sterile, nonpyrogenic, elastoviscous fluid containing hylans, which are hyaluronan derivatives. The formulation consists of repeating disaccharide units of N-acetylglucosamine and sodium glucuronate. It comprises hylan A and hylan B in a buffered physiological sodium chloride solution.
While both products back on hyaluronic acid from rooster combs, Synvisc chemically modifies the HA’s molecular weight to increase it. Moreover, they also differ in the recommended number of injections for therapy, with Hyalgan’s five shots and Synvisc’s three.
Mechanisms of Action
Most viscosupplements have similar mechanisms of action when addressing knee osteoarthritis concerns. Hyalgan and Synvisc utilize the potency of hyaluronic acid to mimic the body’s HA in the synovial fluid to lubricate and cushion the joints, alleviating pain and enhancing mobility.
Medical professionals administer Hyalgan or Synvisc shots for individuals who have failed to respond to oral medications or first-line therapies. Osteoarthritis can break down the HA in the synovial fluid, causing joint pain and friction. When injected, Hyalgan and Synvisc replenish this fluid, acting as lubricants and shock absorbers for the joints.
Viscosupplements like these two brand-name products do not differ in their mechanisms of action. They may have differences in their formulation, but Hyalgan and Synvisc aim to deliver optimal symptomatic relief results to their patients. However, consulting with a healthcare provider allows individuals to determine the best treatment for knee OA.
Clinical Efficacy
In learning about a new treatment, individuals would want to know and understand the clinical efficacy of these HA injections. Clinical efficacy refers to the effectiveness of a treatment in a controlled, clinical trial setting. This approach is crucial in determining the potency and value of medical therapy.
Hyalgan offers three-injection and five-injection therapies for patients. The meta-analysis study showed that the number of Hyalgan injections didn’t statistically affect the achievement of pain relief. Moreover, a Hyalgan clinical study showed patients who received this treatment experienced long-lasting pain relief for up to six (6) months.
On the other hand, Synvisc offers a single-shot treatment and multiple injections to treat knee OA. Kearey et al. (2017) revealed that Synvisc’s single injection addresses knee OA pain with significant statistical improvements. According to Synvisc’s clinical trial versus saline, Synvisc-treated patients experienced an average reduction of weight-bearing pain of 48.8% compared to saline’s 25%.
Hyalgan and Synvisc deliver impressive efficacy over placebo and saline in pain reduction and improved mobility. However, Grefsrud (2005) shared that Synvisc is more effective than Hyalgan when treating knee OA.
Dosing Regimens and Administration
Medical professionals’ advice is necessary, as they can adjust the solution’s dosage and administration based on the patient’s needs, goals, and overall health. In most cases, healthcare providers stick to the recommended dosing regimen of viscosupplements like Hyalgan knee injection and Synvisc.
Typically, the healthcare provider administers Hyalgan as an intra-articular injection directly into the knee joint. Each shot contains 2 mL and requires an aseptic injection technique. The recommended treatment regimen is weekly injections for three or five weeks.
Synvisc is also an intra-articular injection into the affected joint. The first released Synvisc option is given as a 2 mL injection weekly for three weeks. Synvisc-One is a single 6 mL shot for a more cost-effective solution.
While Hyalgan and Synvisc ensure the safety and effectiveness of their injection therapies, they differ in their dosing regimens. Hyalgan offers three—and five-injection options, while Synvisc provides single—and three-injection solutions.
Safety Profiles
Patient education about the safety profiles of Hyalgan knee injections and Synvisc treatments allows individuals to make informed healthcare decisions. They can evaluate the treatment’s risk-benefit ratio with medical professionals’ guidance.
Like other medical or aesthetic processes, patients can expect Hyalgan injection side effects after treatment. These common side effects typically last temporarily at the injection site and may range from mild to moderate.
- Pain
- Swelling
- Heat and/or Redness of the joint
- Rash
- Itching
- Bruising
Synvisc also has a fair share of common side effects that may occur after the injection session. These effects may bring discomfort initially but typically subsides when the body adjusts to the medicine.
- Pain
- Swelling
- Heat
- Redness and/or fluid build-up around the knee
Hyalgan and Synvisc almost have the same side effect profiles. Clinical trials and real-world data suggest that knee injections can reduce pain from OA for up to six months. However, it’s necessary to consult with your trusted doctor to receive a tailored treatment plan to achieve optimal treatment outcomes.
Conclusion
Hyalgan and Synvisc are both effective viscosupplementation treatments for knee osteoarthritis. They have similar mechanisms of action, working as lubricants and shock absorbers for the affected joints. However, Synvisc is chemically modified to increase its molecular weight, so their formulations may differ.
Moreover, both treatments have demonstrated clinical efficacy in pain reduction and improving joint function. Medical professionals should administer Hyalgan and Synvisc via intra-articular injections. Their safety profiles are comparable, with common side effects, including pain and swelling at the injection site. It’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for personalized treatments.
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
- Product Information. (n.d.). In Hyalgan. https://hyalgan.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/HyalganPatInfoPDFupdate513.pdf
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