From the Guidelines
Synvisc is a viscosupplement injection used to treat knee osteoarthritis pain, specifically a brand name for hylan G-F 20, which supplements the body's natural joint fluid to improve lubrication and cushioning in the joint. It is made from a gel-like substance called hyaluronic acid, which naturally occurs in joint fluid and acts as a lubricant and shock absorber 1. When injected directly into the knee joint, Synvisc improves the quality of the synovial fluid, reducing friction between joint surfaces, and potentially decreasing inflammation. The standard regimen involves either three weekly injections (Synvisc) or a single injection (Synvisc-One), with effects typically lasting up to six months.
Key Points
- Synvisc is generally recommended for patients who haven't responded adequately to conservative treatments like physical therapy, weight loss, and over-the-counter pain medications.
- Side effects are usually mild and temporary, including pain, swelling, or stiffness at the injection site.
- Synvisc is administered by healthcare providers in an office setting after the joint is cleaned with an antiseptic.
Administration and Effects
The administration of Synvisc is straightforward, and its effects can be significant for patients with knee osteoarthritis, as noted in the guideline for the management of osteoarthritis of the hand, hip, and knee 1.
Considerations
It's essential to consider the patient's overall health and medical history before administering Synvisc, as well as discussing potential benefits and risks, to ensure informed decision-making 1.
From the Research
What is Synvisc
- Synvisc is a type of viscosupplementation used to treat osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee, specifically designed to alleviate pain and improve joint function 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- It is a hyaluronic acid (HA) injection that aims to restore the physiologic viscoelasticity in the synovial fluid (SF) of the affected joint 3
- Synvisc is available in different formulations, including single-injection and multiple-injection options, such as Hylan G-F20 (Synvisc(R)) and Sodium Hyaluronate preparations 3, 4
Mechanism of Action
- The exact mechanism of action of Synvisc is not fully understood, but it is believed to downregulate pro-inflammatory factors and restore the natural viscosity of the synovial fluid 3, 5
- Synvisc has been shown to provide pain relief and improve joint function in patients with OA of the knee, with some studies suggesting it may also delay the need for surgery 2, 3, 4, 6
Efficacy and Safety
- Clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of Synvisc in treating OA of the knee, with significant improvements in pain and function reported in several studies 2, 3, 4, 6
- Adverse events associated with Synvisc are typically mild and transient, with local reactions at the injection site being the most common 2, 4, 6
- The cost-effectiveness of Synvisc has been demonstrated in some studies, with potential cost savings realized through reduced NSAID medication use and delayed total knee replacement 6