What type of injection is Hymovis (high molecular weight hyaluronic acid) used for?

From the Guidelines

Hymovis is used for intra-articular injections, specifically in the knee joint, to treat osteoarthritis, despite conditional recommendations against its use due to limited evidence of benefit and potential harm 1. The treatment works by supplementing the natural hyaluronic acid in the synovial fluid of the knee joint, which often becomes depleted in osteoarthritis.

• Hyaluronic acid provides lubrication and shock absorption for the joint, helping to reduce pain and improve mobility.
• The effects of Hymovis injections can last for up to six months in many patients.
• Before receiving these injections, the area should be properly cleaned and any joint effusion (excess fluid) should be removed.
• Patients may experience temporary pain or swelling at the injection site, but serious side effects are rare. However, it is essential to consider the conditional recommendation against the use of hyaluronic acid injections in knee OA, as the best evidence fails to establish a benefit, and harm may be associated with these injections 1. In clinical practice, the choice to use hyaluronic acid injections in the knee OA patient who has had an inadequate response to nonpharmacologic therapies, topical and oral NSAIDs, and intraarticular steroids may be viewed more favorably than offering no intervention, particularly given the impact of the contextual effects of intraarticular hyaluronic acid injections 1.

From the Research

Hymovis Injection Type

• Hymovis is used for viscosupplementation, a treatment for osteoarthritis (OA) that involves injecting hyaluronic acid (HA) into the joint to reduce pain and improve function 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

Indications for Hymovis Injection

• Hymovis is indicated for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis, particularly for patients with mild to moderate symptoms 2, 3, 4.
• It is also used for the treatment of hip osteoarthritis, although the evidence is less robust and more individualized 5, 6.
• Hymovis may be used for other joints, such as the ankle and shoulder, although more research is needed to confirm its efficacy in these areas 2.

Characteristics of Hymovis Injection

• Hymovis is a hyaluronic acid derivative hydrogel that is injected into the joint to provide viscosupplementation 4, 6.
• It is available in different formulations, including Hymovis MO.RE. and Hymovis ONE, which have been studied in various clinical trials 4, 6.

Administration of Hymovis Injection

• Hymovis is typically administered via intra-articular injection, which may be performed under fluoroscopy or ultrasound guidance 2, 5, 6.
• The injection is usually given as a single dose, although some studies have investigated the use of multiple injections 4, 6.