Orthovisc vs Synvisc – Comparing Viscosupplements

Last Updated On: September 18, 2024

Osteoarthritis affects over 500 million people worldwide, making it one of the leading causes of disability. This degenerative joint disease causes pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, significantly impacting the quality of life. With aging populations and rising obesity rates, the prevalence of osteoarthritis is expected to grow.

Orthovisc and Synvisc are two widely used viscosupplements designed to treat osteoarthritis. These treatments aim to restore the natural lubricating properties of joint fluid, helping to reduce pain and enhance mobility. Understanding their differences is crucial for patients and healthcare providers to make informed treatment choices.

This article will compare Orthovisc vs Synvisc, examining their features, benefits, and uses to help you decide which option may be best for you.

Key Takeaways

• Orthovisc and Synvisc are popular viscosupplements for managing osteoarthritis, each designed to relieve joint pain and enhance mobility.
• Their composition and active ingredients differ, affecting their performance and patient outcomes.
• Both products have demonstrated effectiveness, but individual results may vary based on specific patient needs and conditions.
• Each has distinct dosing schedules and injection protocols, influencing treatment convenience and patient adherence.
• Understanding their safety profiles and potential side effects is crucial for making informed treatment choices and ensuring patient safety.

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 Orthovisc online, contact our sales department for more information.

Understanding Viscosupplements

Viscosupplements are injectable treatments that contain hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally found in joint fluid. These injections are designed to replenish and enhance the synovial fluid within the joints, which often becomes degraded in individuals with osteoarthritis.

The primary purpose of viscosupplements in osteoarthritis treatment is to restore the natural lubrication and cushioning of the joint. By improving the quality of the joint fluid, viscosupplements help reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall joint function.

They are commonly used when other treatments, like pain relievers or physical therapy, have not provided adequate relief. They offer a non-surgical option to manage osteoarthritis symptoms and improve a patient’s quality of life.

Orthovisc

• Composition: Orthovisc is a viscosupplement specifically designed to treat osteoarthritis. It is composed of sodium hyaluronate, a naturally occurring substance that provides lubrication and shock absorption in the joints. The high concentration of sodium hyaluronate in Orthovisc helps replenish the depleted hyaluronic acid in the joint fluid, improving joint function and reducing pain.
• Active Ingredients: Orthovisc’s active ingredient is highly purified sodium hyaluronate, which closely resembles the body’s natural synovial fluid. This similarity allows Orthovisc to integrate seamlessly into the joint, enhancing the quality of the joint fluid and restoring its natural properties.

Orthovisc works by mimicking and restoring the natural synovial fluid within the joint, reducing inflammation, friction, and pain associated with osteoarthritis. The treatment typically involves three to four injections administered directly into the knee over several weeks. For those wondering, “Are Orthovisc injections painful?“ some discomfort may occur during administration, but most patients find the procedure manageable.

Orthovisc’s higher concentration of sodium hyaluronate compared to other viscosupplements may provide longer-lasting relief, resulting in smoother joint movement and improved quality of life for patients with osteoarthritis.

Synvisc

• Composition: Synvisc is a viscosupplement composed of hylan A and hylan B polymers derived from chicken combs. This formulation closely resembles the natural hyaluronan found in healthy joint fluid, providing lubrication and cushioning to improve joint function in osteoarthritis patients. Unlike Orthovisc, Synvisc undergoes a cross-linking process that enhances its viscosity and elasticity.
• Active Ingredients: Synvisc’s active ingredient is hylan G-F 20, a cross-linked gel composed of hyaluronan molecules. This synthetic version of hyaluronic acid is designed to mimic the natural properties of synovial fluid, offering pain relief and improved mobility in affected joints. The inclusion of human serum albumin helps stabilize the solution, ensuring its effectiveness during the treatment period.

Synvisc works by restoring the natural viscoelastic properties of joint fluid, providing shock absorption and reducing friction between the bones. By enhancing the lubrication of the joint, Synvisc helps alleviate pain and improves mobility, making it an essential option for viscosupplementation therapy in osteoarthritis management.

Clinical Efficacy

Clinical trials have shown that Orthovisc, a high molecular weight hyaluronan, provides significant pain relief and improved joint function for up to six months in patients with knee osteoarthritis. A multicenter, double-blind, randomized trial compared Orthovisc to corticosteroid injections in shoulder osteoarthritis, demonstrating its efficacy and safety.

Synvisc (Hylan G-F 20) has been extensively studied for its effectiveness in treating knee osteoarthritis. Clinical trials have shown that Synvisc can deliver pain relief for up to six months, with significant improvements observed as early as one week after the first injection. In head-to-head trials, Synvisc demonstrated superior pain relief compared to other viscosupplements like Hyalgan.

Dosage Schedules and Injection Protocols

To effectively manage osteoarthritis, it’s essential to understand the dosage schedules and injection protocols for viscosupplements like Orthovisc and Synvisc. Here’s a concise overview:

• Orthovisc Dosage: Administer three injections weekly, each containing 2 mL of solution with 15-20 mg of sodium hyaluronate per injection. This regimen provides effective relief and enhances mobility, fitting well into daily routines without significant disruption.
• Synvisc Dosage: Administer three 2 mL injections at weekly intervals containing hylan G-F 20. This straightforward administration approach aims to alleviate pain and improve joint function.

Both treatments involve direct intra-articular injections into the knee joint. Dosage and molecular properties vary, influencing patient outcomes and efficacy. 

Safety Profiles and Common Side Effects

Orthovisc is generally considered safe for most patients; however, it should not be used by individuals with allergies to avian products, as it is derived from bacterial fermentation.

Synvisc is also safe for most patients but should be avoided by those with known allergies to avian proteins due to its origin from chicken combs.

Below are the common side effects associated with each treatment:

• Orthovisc: Patients can expect mild pain or swelling at the injection site, temporary joint stiffness or discomfort, and localized redness or warmth after the injection.
• Synvisc: Patients can expect joint pain and swelling, fluid buildup in the knee, and mild redness or warmth at the injection site.

Both treatments are generally well-tolerated, but patients should be aware of these side effects and consult their healthcare provider if symptoms persist or worsen.

Advantages and Limitations

Orthovisc and Synvisc offer several advantages for treating osteoarthritis, making them valuable options in viscosupplementation therapy. Each has unique benefits tailored to different patient needs, which can help achieve effective pain relief and improved joint function. Understanding these advantages can aid healthcare professionals in selecting the most suitable treatment for their patients.

Advantages of Orthovisc Over Synvisc

• Higher Purity: Orthovisc contains highly purified sodium hyaluronate, which is not derived from animal sources. This reduces the risk of allergic reactions, particularly for those with avian allergies.
• Longer-Lasting Relief: Orthovisc’s higher concentration of sodium hyaluronate may offer more prolonged pain relief than Synvisc, making it a preferred option for patients seeking longer intervals between treatments.
• Fewer Injections: Orthovisc often requires fewer injections (typically three to four) than Synvisc, which may require up to five, potentially leading to a more convenient treatment schedule.

Limitations of Synvisc Compared to Orthovisc

• Shorter Duration of Effectiveness: Synvisc may not provide pain relief for as long as Orthovisc, necessitating more frequent treatments.
• Potential for Allergic Reactions: Synvisc is derived from chicken combs, which can pose a risk of allergic reactions in patients with avian allergies. Orthovisc, being non-avian, does not carry this risk.
• Higher Cost: Synvisc can be more expensive than Orthovisc, which might be a consideration for patients and healthcare providers when choosing a treatment option.

Considerations for Patient-Specific Factors

• Allergies: Patients with known allergies to avian proteins should consider Orthovisc a safer alternative.
• Treatment Goals: Orthovisc may be the better choice for those seeking fewer injections with potentially longer-lasting relief, while Synvisc could be considered for those who respond well to a more elastic gel.
• Individual Response: Patient-specific factors such as age, activity level, and overall joint health can influence the effectiveness of each treatment, making it essential to consult a healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.

Conclusion

Orthovisc and Synvisc are viscosupplements used in osteoarthritis treatment, each with distinct compositions, molecular properties, and dosing requirements. Orthovisc contains highly purified sodium hyaluronate from non-animal sources, while Synvisc is derived from chicken combs and chemically modified to enhance its properties.

Although both offer similar efficacy in relieving joint pain and improving mobility, their safety profiles and potential side effects differ. Healthcare providers should carefully evaluate patient-specific factors, such as allergies, treatment goals, and individual responses, to determine the most suitable option for managing osteoarthritis effectively.

FAQs

1. What are Orthovisc and Synvisc?

Orthovisc and Synvisc are injectable treatments used to relieve knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. They both contain hyaluronic acid, which helps lubricate and cushion the joints.

2. What side effects should I be aware of with Orthovisc?

Common side effects of Orthovisc include joint pain, stiffness, swelling, itching, and redness at the injection site. Some patients may also experience headaches or dizziness.

3. Is the Orthovisc injection procedure painful?

The Orthovisc injection procedure can cause some discomfort, but it is generally well-tolerated by most patients. Your healthcare provider may use a local anesthetic to minimize any pain during the injection.

References

WHO. Osteoarthritis. www.who.int. Published July 14, 2023. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/osteoarthritis 

He Y, Jiang W, Wang W. Global burden of osteoarthritis in adults aged 30 to 44 years, 1990 to 2019: results from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. BMC musculoskeletal disorders. 2024;25(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-024-07442-w