Durolane vs Orthovisc – Which is the Better Viscosupplement?

Last Updated On: September 24, 2024

Injectable treatments for osteoarthritis have become a crucial option for reducing pain and improving joint function, especially for those who haven’t found relief through other therapies. Millions of these procedures are performed annually, providing a non-surgical alternative for managing joint discomfort.

Among the leading options are Durolane and Orthovisc, two hyaluronic acid-based viscosupplements designed to lubricate and cushion the knee joint. While both offer pain relief, they differ in formulation, duration of effects, and treatment regimen.

This article will compare Durolane vs Orthovisc, examining their benefits, drawbacks, and overall effectiveness to help you decide which treatment best suits your needs.

Key Takeaways

• Durolane delivers effective pain relief for over a year with a single injection, minimizing the need for frequent treatments.
• Orthovisc offers pain relief for up to six months but requires a series of 3-4 injections to achieve the desired results.
• Both treatments use hyaluronic acid to enhance joint lubrication and mobility, though Orthovisc contains a higher concentration for potentially greater efficacy.
• Deciding between Durolane and Orthovisc depends on whether you prefer fewer injections or a higher concentration of hyaluronic acid. Consulting with a doctor will help determine the best choice for your specific needs.

About: Operating since 2016, Med Supply Solutions is known for being one of the industry’s top and trusted suppliers of cosmetic and viscosupplementation products. If you’re looking to buy Durolane online, contact our sales department for more information.

Introduction to Viscosupplements

Viscosupplements are injectable treatments that manage osteoarthritis by improving the lubrication within affected joints. These injections contain hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the joint fluid that reduces friction and alleviates pain. Here’s a closer look at how viscosupplements work:

• Lubrication: Viscosupplements enhance the quality of joint fluid, promoting smoother movement and reducing stiffness.
• Pain Relief: By cushioning the joints, these treatments help relieve pain, making everyday activities more comfortable.
• Duration: Depending on the product, such as Durolane or Orthovisc, the effects can last anywhere from several months to over a year.
• Treatment Frequency: Some products, like Durolane, provide long-lasting relief with just one injection, while others, like Orthovisc, require a series of injections for optimal results.

Viscosupplements are a valuable option for individuals with osteoarthritis who have not responded to other treatments. Consulting with a healthcare provider can help determine which treatment best suits your needs.

Understanding Durolane

Durolane is a hyaluronic acid-based injectable designed to relieve joint pain by mimicking the body’s natural synovial fluid. Its specialized gel enhances joint lubrication, making movement smoother and reducing discomfort. With just a single 3 mL injection, Durolane can provide long-lasting relief, often for more than a year. 

The Durolane generic name, sodium hyaluronate, highlights its key active ingredient, critical in ensuring proper joint function. The simplicity of Durolane’s single-injection treatment reduces the need for multiple sessions, making it a convenient choice for patients.

Medical professionals follow a specific protocol to ensure safety and efficacy during administration:

• Review the patient’s medical history to confirm Durolane’s suitability.
• Cleanse the injection site thoroughly with antiseptic to prevent infection.
• Inject 3 mL of Durolane into the joint using a fine needle.
• Advise the patient to rest the joint for at least 24 hours post-injection.
• Recommend avoiding strenuous activities or heavy lifting for several days.
• Schedule a follow-up to monitor the patient’s progress and assess pain relief duration.
• Inform patients they may need over-the-counter pain relief if mild discomfort occurs.
• Watch for any side effects, such as swelling or redness at the injection site.
• Explain that Durolane can provide relief for up to a year, but duration may vary.
• Educate the patient about symptoms of infection or severe reactions that require immediate medical attention.

Understanding Orthovisc

Orthovisc is an effective viscosupplement designed to relieve joint pain, particularly in the knees, by mimicking the body’s natural synovial fluid. It contains a high concentration of hyaluronic acid, which lubricates and cushions the joint, thereby reducing discomfort and enhancing mobility. 

Each Orthovisc injection delivers 2 mL of hyaluronic acid, but unlike Durolane’s single-injection approach, Orthovisc typically requires three to four injections spaced a week apart to achieve optimal results. The following steps outline the Orthovisc administration process:

• The healthcare provider first evaluates the patient’s knee condition to determine suitability for Orthovisc treatment.
• The injection area is cleaned to prevent infection.
• In some cases, any excess fluid in the knee joint may be removed before administering Orthovisc.
• Orthovisc comes in pre-filled syringes, which are ready for direct use.
• A 2 mL dose of Orthovisc is injected into the knee joint using a fine needle.
• The typical treatment involves three to four injections, administered one week apart.
• Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities for at least 48 hours following each injection.
• Significant pain relief often begins after the second or third injection, with maximum results observed after the final injection.
• The benefits, including pain reduction and improved joint mobility, can last for up to six months.
• Although side effects are rare, they may include temporary pain, swelling, or warmth at the injection site.

Orthovisc provides a non-surgical option for individuals seeking long-term relief from osteoarthritis symptoms, particularly for those who prefer a multi-injection treatment plan over other alternatives.

Comparative Analysis

Several studies have demonstrated Durolane’s safety for treating osteoarthritis. One notable study involved 87 patients with mild to moderate hip osteoarthritis, where a single Durolane injection significantly improved pain and function without major adverse events. Additionally, the FDA’s summary of safety and effectiveness data highlights its favorable safety profile, noting that it has not been withdrawn from any market due to safety concerns.

One key study involved patients with idiopathic knee osteoarthritis, where Orthovisc was compared to saline injections. The results showed significant pain relief and improved joint function with no major adverse events. Additionally, the FDA’s summary of safety and effectiveness data for Orthovisc underscores its favorable safety profile, noting that it has not been withdrawn from any market due to safety concerns.

Which is the Better Viscosupplement?

When deciding between Durolane and Orthovisc for osteoarthritis treatment, several factors come into play:

• Pain Relief Duration: Durolane typically provides relief for up to a year, making it an excellent choice for those seeking longer-term results. In contrast, Orthovisc offers relief lasting around six months.
• Injection Frequency: Durolane requires only one injection, which may appeal to patients seeking a quicker, one-time treatment. Orthovisc, however, involves three to four injections spaced a week apart to achieve optimal results.
• Hyaluronic Acid Concentration: Orthovisc contains a higher concentration of hyaluronic acid than Durolane, potentially making it more effective for some patients who require a more robust formulation.
• Treatment Goals: Consider your primary goal. If you prefer a shorter treatment cycle with fewer visits, Durolane may be ideal. If regular treatments don’t bother you, Orthovisc could be equally effective.
• Patient Comfort: For those who are uncomfortable with multiple injections, Durolane’s single-shot protocol may provide an easier experience, while Orthovisc requires a bit more patience with multiple sessions.
• Side Effects: It’s essential to evaluate the side effects associated with each treatment. Review the potential side effects of both Durolane and Orthovisc to ensure the best fit for your needs.
• Specific Needs: Durolane and Orthovisc are primarily used for knee osteoarthritis, but depending on your condition, one may be more suitable for other areas, such as hips or shoulders.

Conclusion

Choosing between Durolane and Orthovisc depends on your specific needs. Durolane offers long-lasting relief with a single injection, while Orthovisc requires multiple doses but still effectively reduces pain for up to six months. Both options can improve joint function and ease discomfort. Consulting with a doctor will help determine which treatment aligns best with your health goals.

FAQs

1. What distinguishes Durolane from Orthovisc?

Durolane and Orthovisc are viscosupplements for joint pain relief, but they differ in formulation and dosing schedules. Durolane is noted for its unique dosing regimen compared to Orthovisc.

2. How does Durolane compare to other viscosupplements such as Synvisc, Euflexxa, or Monovisc?

Although all these products aim to alleviate joint pain, they vary in composition and dosing schedules. It is important to consult with your physician to determine which option is most suitable for your condition.

3. Can Durolane be used for hip or shoulder pain?

Yes, Durolane is versatile and can be used for knee, hip, and shoulder pain.

References

Joint Injections for Arthritis Pain. www.arthritis.org. https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/treatment/treatment-plan/disease-management/joint-injections-for-arthritis-pain 

Mary Jo DiLonardo. Knee Arthritis Shots: What to Know. WebMD. Published March 12, 2014. Accessed September 19, 2024. https://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/features/knee-pain-shots