Synvisc One Pros and Cons

Synvisc-One® (hylan G-F 20) is an injection that can provide relief from arthritic knee discomfort for up to six months. This injection works by supplementing the fluid that is already present in your knee, which helps to lubricate and cushion the joint.

The joint fluid, also known as synovial fluid, can deteriorate in knees with osteoarthritis and stop giving your knee the necessary cushioning. Hyaluronan, extracted from chicken combs, is the main ingredient of injection.

Hyaluronan is a naturally occurring chemical that can be found throughout the body, but it is especially abundant in the joints. Hyaluronan is naturally produced by the body and serves as both a lubricant and a shock absorber in the joint. It is essential for the joint's correct function.

People suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee who have tried diet, exercise, and typical pain killers but have not achieved adequate relief should consider trying Synvisc-One. If your knee discomfort persists despite these treatments, talk to your doctor about the possibility of using Synvisc-One. Synvisc-One is administered as a single dose injection into the affected knee.

Synvisc-One is often provided by an expert, such as an orthopedic surgeon or rheumatologist. This is because these medical professionals have had extensive training in the treatment of this condition.

Pros

Knee osteoarthritis is often treated with hyaluronic acid injections, which also enhance the knee joint's mobility. This kind of treatment is referred to as viscosupplementation.

The objectives of hyaluronic acid injection therapy for knee osteoarthritis are:

• Pain should be reduced.
• Improve joint mobility by enhancing joint lubrication and decreasing friction and inflammation in the joints
• Possibly slow osteoarthritis development

Viscosupplementation is a natural fluid that helps to lubricate the joint and reduces the amount of friction that occurs. It has the potential to provide pain relief and increased mobility for several weeks or months.

Because there is a limited potential for adverse reactions, the injection should be considered reasonably safe. It can help people who have not been able to get relief from other available methods or who want to postpone surgery.

Cons

Viscosupplementation may be effective for other joints, but it is only officially permitted to treat knee osteoarthritis; hence, insurance may not cover it. In addition, if it is administered more than once, its efficacy may gradually decrease over time as the joint continues to deteriorate.

FAQ's

What are the benefits of Synvisc-One for osteoarthritis of the knee?

In a medical trial including 253 patients who had osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee, nearly half of the patients received either a single injection of Synvisc-One or an injection of the same volume of salt water (a " Saline Control" injection). The significant benefits of Synvisc-One were proven to be pain reduction and improvement in other symptoms associated to OA of the knee. This was demonstrated by the results of the study.

Is Synvisc-One covered by insurance?

The majority of insurance plans cover the cost of receiving a Synvisc-One injection. It is a requirement of many insurance companies that you obtain Synvisc-One directly from your doctor. Some insurance companies, including Medicare, might not pay the cost of Synvisc-One if your primary care physician issues you a prescription for it.

Is Synvisc-One a steroid?

The answer is no; SYNVISC is not a steroid. Both steroids and SYNVISC are administered by injection, but SYNVISC is manufactured from a material that is identical to natural, physiological joint fluid and functions as a cushion for the joint. Steroids have the ability to reduce joint edoema and inflammation, but they do not lubricate the joint space.