Knee Osteoarthritis Management: Monovisc vs. Synvisc

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a condition when the knee joint’s cartilage wears down, causing pain and stiffness 2. It makes everyday tasks like walking or climbing stairs hard. Coping with it can be tough because the pain can worsen over time, limiting what you can do and affecting how you feel. This discomfort can impact not just your body but also your mood and sleep.

That’s why finding the treatment is so important. Hyaluronic acid injections like Monovisc and Synvisc are popular options. They aim to reduce pain and improve joint function. But what sets these treatments apart, and which one may suit you? Let’s delve into the details to find out.

Knee Osteoarthritis and Knee Joint Pain Causes

Knee osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones within the knee joint gradually wears down over time. This deterioration leads to pain, stiffness, swelling, and decreased mobility in the knee.

This disease can develop as a result of:

• previous knee injuries (ligament tears, meniscus tears, or fractures);
• aging process;
• excessive stress on the knee cartilage due to obesity or repetitive; movements;
• genetic factors.

After the doctor diagnosed arthritis, they prescribed pain medications to manage the symptoms effectively. Orthopaedic surgeons are extending indications for new treatments with hyaluronic acid administration based on recent advances and further investigation their efficacy. A systematic review highlighted the comparative effectiveness of various treatments, including platelet rich plasma, for managing arthritis rheum. Conditions affecting synovial joints may require bone joint surg to alleviate pain and restore mobility, with careful attention to the soft tissue structures.

Identifying the underlying cause of knee pain is essential for determining the most appropriate treatment approach, whether it involves lifestyle modifications, physical therapy, medications, or surgical interventions.

Core Information about Monovisc and Synvisc

Monovisc is a treatment for knee osteoarthritis (OA) that uses hyaluronic acid. It is a high molecular weight, cross-linked sodium hyaluronate, made by Anika Therapeutics. The substance is derived from bacterial fermentation, making it good for people allergic to animal products.

Monovisc is a single-injection intra-articular HA treatment, used for reducing knee pain within two weeks. Clinical trials support using Monovisc for patients over 45 with symptomatic knee OA, offering a viable and effective alternative for those who may not be suitable candidates for partial or total knee replacement 1

Synvisc is another hyaluronic acid treatment for knee OA, manufactured by Genzyme. It contains hylan G-F 20, a cross-linked hyaluronic acid from rooster combs. This high molecular weight formulation closely mimics natural knee fluid, providing effective lubrication and cushioning. Synvisc is a treatment option for severe osteoarthritis knee pain, directly injected into the affected joint to provide elasticity and viscosity 1

Kind reminder: Monovisc and Synvisc are products designed for professional use. Only a certified healthcare provider is eligible to administer them. If you’re a healthcare provider, buy Monovisc or Synvisc on our web platform safely and conveniently. Our store offers a wide range of medical products at reasonable price.

The Effects of Hyaluronic Acid Injections

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in the synovial joints and fluids, where it acts as a lubricant and shock absorber.

Clinical response has shown that HA injections can provide symptomatic relief for up to six months, making it a viable option for managing chronic pain in the joint. These orthopedic injections restore the viscoelastic properties of the synovial fluid, which can become depleted in osteoarthritic joints. This restoration reduces inflammation and friction, thereby providing significant pain relief and functional improvement in the knee.

Monovisc vs. Synvisc: Common Features

Both Monovisc and Synvisc are intra-articular injections to treat osteoarthritis of the knee, designed for significant improvements in pain scores and movement. Here are their similar features:

• Hyaluronic acid composition: Monovisc and Synvisc both utilize hyaluronic acid. When we age, the level of synovial fluids in the joint may diminish. Intraarticular injections restore lost fluids, improving lubrication and cushions for joints.
• Viscosupplementation therapy: Both products belong to the category of viscosupplements. These therapies involve intra-articular hyaluronic acid injections to reduce pain and stiffness associated with knee OA.
• Clinical outcomes: Randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that Monovisc and Synvisc can relieve knee pain and enhance physical function effectively.
• Results duration: The longevity of results Monovisc vs. Synvisc depends on the severity of OA, the patient’s medical condition, individual anatomy, and treatment protocol.Monovisc and Synvisc aim to offer sustained pain relief over an extended period. Further research has shown that intra-articular sodium hyaluronate injections can provide significant pain reduction and functional enhancement up to six months after administration.
• Safety and efficacy: Both Monovisc and Synvisc are safe and well-tolerated options for knee OA management. Adverse events associated with these treatments are generally mild and transient, including injection site pain or swelling.
• Non-surgical management: Viscosupplementation can provide symptomatic relief and improve the quality of life for patients looking to avoid or delay surgical intervention.
• Cost-effectiveness: While Monovisc or Synvisc cost may vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare provider fees, both products offer cost-effective options compared to surgery or lifetime medical costs for nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic therapies.

Summary: Monovisc and Synvisc share similarities in their main ingredient, mode of action, clinical results, longevity, safety profiles, and cost-effectiveness. Both treatments offer effective options for managing osteoarthritis of the knee.

Monovisc vs. Synvisc: Main Differences

When choosing a suitable treatment, Monovisc vs. Synvisc, it’s crucial to understand the core differences between these two treatments. Here are their key distinctions:

• Composition: These treatments contain hyaluronic acid but it has a significant difference in composition. Monovisc contains high molecular weight crosslinked sodium hyaluronate, while Synvisc consists of hylan G-F 20, a blend of two forms of hyaluronan: hylan A and hylan B. The composition of Monovisc results in a single injection, high concentration, whereas Synvisc’s low molecular weight HA requires multiple injections (three injections approach) to achieve the desired therapeutic effect.
• Hyaluronic acid sources: The source of hyaluronic acid in these treatments in these treatments also differ. Monovisc’s HA is derived from bacterial fermentation, making it a non-animal-based product. This can be particularly beneficial for patients with allergies to avian proteins.On the other hand, Synvisc’s HA is sourced from rooster combs, a naturally occurring substance in birds, which might cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
• Treatment course and injection numbers: The number of intra-articular injections required for each treatment varies. Monovisc offers a convenient single injection treatment course, providing straightforward alternative dosing regimens. This makes it a convenient option for patients, receiving long-lasting relief with fewer injections.In contrast, Synvisc typically requires three injections administered over a few weeks. While this may mean more frequent visits to the doctor, some patients with affected joints might respond better to the repeated dosing schedule.
• Viscoelastic properties: A systematic review has shown that Synvisc with a lower molecular weight structure has rheological properties, which closely mimic those of natural synovial fluid in the knee. This can potentially lead to more effective lubrication and shock absorption within the joint. Monovisc also provides significant viscoelastic benefits with its high-molecular-weighted structure and cross-linked sodium hyaluronate, but its effects may vary depending on individual response.

Summary: While both Monovisc and Synvisc are effective for reducing pain without surgery, Synvisc treatment requires more than one course, one injection weekly for three weeks. For some patients, the single injection regimen of Monovisc is more appealing, while others may benefit from the extended dosing regimen of Synvisc. Additionally, patients and healthcare providers should consider hyaluronic acid sources, and viscoelasticity to determine the most suitable treatment.

Final Words

Monovisc and Synvisc offer valuable non-surgical treatment with intraarticular injections to treat osteoarthritis of the knee. Their main effect to lessen pain and improve joint function. Monovisc offers the convenience of a single injection, suitable for those seeking fewer doctor visits. Synvisc requires three injections over several weeks but may offer enhanced effectiveness for some patients due to its extended dosing regimen. Consult your healthcare provider to choose the right orthopedic injections for your joints. Don’t let knee pain hold you back!