Knee Osteoarthritis Management: Durolane vs. Synvisc Comparison
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Knee osteoarthritis stands as a prevalent and challenging musculoskeletal condition affecting millions globally. This degenerative joint disorder unfolds as the protective cartilage in the knee joint gradually wears away, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. As a result, individuals search for treatment options to manage symptoms and enhance their overall quality of life.
As the non-surgical approach gained prominence, hyaluronic acid injections like Durolane and Synvisc have become pivotal in managing osteoarthritis knee pain and other symptoms. Let’s explore the similarities and differences between Durolane and Synvisc, and their primary outcome.
Recent Clinical Studies
Osteoarthritis is recognized as the most common form of arthritis. It has resulted in a significant portion of the adult population. The knee is a primary joint impacted by osteoarthritis.
Controlled trials note that patients with low to moderate arthritic knees tend to experience better results compared to those with severely affected knees. The guidelines also underscore statistically significant improvement linked to high molecular weight cross-linked hyaluronic acid, with no similar association found for the mid or low molecular weight of the acid.
The Ways to Treat Knee Osteoarthritis Joint Pain
When doctor diagnosed arthritis, they consider the most suitable approach to treat osteoarthritis joint pain. They’re a wide range of options:
Viscosupplementation, particularly through intra-articular hyaluronic acid products, like Durolane and Synvisc, is a viable option for patients worldwide, especially for those who didn’t respond adequately to other treatments of knee osteoarthritis (OA).
Corticosteroid injections, administered by orthopaedic surgeons, provide a targeted method for reducing inflammation and alleviating pain scores. The primary outcome of such injections is a significant reduction of symptoms associated with knee OA. They provide enhanced joint function.
Intra-articular sodium hyaluronate presents another avenue and emphasizes the importance of maintaining a low-risk profile for patients seeking relief.
Restorative therapies, as highlighted in arthritis care res, showcase a multifaceted approach, extending indications beyond symptomatic relief.
Total knee arthroplasty (TKA), known as knee replacement surgery, aims to diminish pain scores and restore knee function. It can be done in cases with severe osteoarthritis or degenerative conditions.
Physical therapy includes tailored exercise programs, supervised by physical therapists. It can strengthen muscles around the knee, improve joint flexibility, and decrease pain scores.
Regular consultations with healthcare providers ensure ongoing assessment and adjustment of the treatment approach for optimal pain management and joint health. Additionally, considerations for comparative effectiveness play a role in guiding treatment decisions, weighing factors such as vital signs, attributable activity limitation, and preservation of an active lifestyle.
Understanding Durolane and Synvisc
Durolane is an orthopedic injection used for reducing pain scores in the joint. This injection is designed to provide relief and improve joint function. It is manufactured by Bioventus, a global pharmaceutical corporation specializing in ortho-biological products, pain management treatments, and surgical solutions.
Synvisc is a viscosupplementation, specifically created to address joint pain and improve joint function. It fills in the synovial fluid in the joints, providing lubrication and cushioning. This intra-articular injection is produced by Sanofi Genzyme, a biopharmaceutical company known for its commitment to advancing medical solutions.
Note: Synvisc and Durolane injections are for professional use only. Their administration has to be conducted by certified healthcare providers. Consequently, only a licensed practitioner is authorized to purchase Durolane.If you’d like to order Synvisc, it’s available at OGOMED for medical professionals too.
Durolane vs. Synvisc: Common Features
Both Synvisc and Durolane are treatments to manage knee OA. Their common features are:
Intra-articular HA injections: Both Durolane and Synvisc are administered directly into the affected knee joints to provide relief. They utilize hyaluronic acid (HA), a substance found naturally in the body. The primary outcome is lubrication and cushioning.
Pain reduction: These intra-articular injections aim to lessen pain in the knee, providing relief to patients.
Efficacy and safety: The effectiveness of Durolane and Synvisc is supported by evidence from randomized controlled trials, indicating their reliability in clinical settings. These treatments are FDA-approved, which confirms their safety.
Significant improvements: Most knee osteoarthritis patients experience sufficient joint and muscle pain reduction.
Common side effects: They include temporary pain swelling, or redness at the injection site. These reactions are generally mild and short-lived. Severe reactions, such as allergies or infections, are rare. If you’re experiencing them, contact a healthcare provider immediately.
Durolane vs. Synvisc: Main Differences
While Durolane and Synvisc are injectable treatments for knee osteoarthritis, they have a significant difference. Here are key aspects that differ:
Injection regimen: Durolane has a single-injection approach. Its injections are administered as a one-time treatment, providing convenience for patients. On the other hand, a three-injection Synvisc regimen requires multiple injections over a specified period.
Duration of effect: Durolane provides relief for up to six months with its single injection. The effects of Synvisc may last for a similar period but are achieved through repeated courses of injections spread over several weeks.
Hyaluronic acid basis: Durolane injection consists of synthetic HA, which mimics the properties of natural ones. Derived from non-animal origin, the hyaluronic acid in it is purified to a high degree. It takes fewer injections to bring a significant reduction of OA knee pain. Synvisc includes HA from rooster combs. It is intended to supplement the natural synovial joints’ fluid. This enhances lubrication and provides cushioning to reduce pain and friction associated with osteoarthritis. Also, Synvisc is a cross-linked hyaluronic acid product, which means that molecules are chemically bound together. This technology prolongs the duration of effectiveness.
Molecular weight: Durolane is characterized by a high molecular weight, contributing to its efficacy in providing long-lasting joint lubrication. Synvisc also utilizes hyaluronic acid but has a lower molecular weight profile, therefore there is a three-injection Synvisc regimen to provide a significant reduction of pain scores.
Presentation: Durolane is available in different volumes, including a basic version for knee osteoarthritis pain. Synvisc is administered in a series of injections, typically as a 2ml injection per session.
Cost-effectiveness: Durolane provides a longer-lasting solution compared to Synvisc. Durolane’s single-injection approach takes fewer visits to the clinic. That is why Durolane may seem more cost-efficient. However, it would be helpful if you consider lifetime medical costs, including the severity of the condition, chosen treatments, frequency of sessions, assistive devices, potential complications, maintenance appointments, and other nonmedical costs.
Uncommon side effects: Patients may experience fluid accumulation around the knee after Synvisc injection. These are rare cases.
Managing knee OA offers a choice between Durolane and Synvisc, two hyaluronic acid injections. Durolane’s single-injection approach emphasizes simplicity, providing up to 6 months of relief. A three-injection Synvisc regimen aims for sustained relief over weeks, focusing on gradual supplementing synovial fluid. Both share common features, decreasing pain and improving knee functionality.
The choice depends on individual preferences and the desired duration of effectiveness. Thorough discussions with healthcare providers help make informed decisions. Regular follow-ups ensure proactive osteoarthritis management. Hope this article has provided all the answers to determine the optimal treatment for knee OA. Thank you for reading and visiting our blog!
