HYALURONAN INJECTIONS for Osteoarthritis (e.g. Synvisc, Supartz)

What is Hyaluronan?

Hyaluronan, also known as hyaluronate sodium, is a naturally-occurring gel-like mixture that is produced your joints to act as a lubricant and a shock absorber within the joint.  When someone develops osteoarthritis, their joint contains less of this substance, which contributes to the pain of osteoarthritis

What is Hyaluronan used for?

Patients with knee pain due to osteoarthritis who do not get sufficient pain relief from simple pain killers, anti-inflammatory medications, exercise and physical therapy can often reduce their knee pain with hyaluronan treatment.  It is also a non-surgical option for patients who want to avoid or delay knee replacement surgery.

How is Hyaluronan administered?

Hyaluronan is a gel-like mixture that is injected directly into your knee.  It is a series of three injections that need to be done one week apart on a weekly basis.

Am I a candidate for Hyaluronan Injections?

If you are having knee pain and think you might be a candidate for Hyaluronan, please call Southern Illinois Sports Medicine today and set-up your office visit with Dr. DeJong or Dr. Smithers for an evaluation of your problem.  Hyaluronans are currently only FDA approved for knee osteoarthritis.

What different types of Hyaluronan are there?

There are several other forms of Hyaluronan on the market, including Synvisc, Supartz, Orthovisc, Hyalgan, and Euflexxa.

Which type of Hyaluronan does your office use?

Research on the effectiveness of Hyaluronans has shown little difference in the efficacy of any specific brand.  Because of this, sports medicine physicians usually have a preference based on their personal experience with a specific type of Hyaluronan.   Dr. DeJong typically uses Synvisc and Dr. Smithers typically uses Supartz or Synvisc, but both doctors have also used Euflexxa, Hyalgan, and Orthovisc. 

How do I find out more about Hyaluronan?

To find out more about Hyaluronan, visit the individual product websites.

Synvisc  - http://us.synvisc.com

Supartz - www.supartz.com

Orthovisc - www.orthovisc.com

Hyalgan - http://www.hyalgan.com

Hyaluronan - CECS - Tendinopathy