What Is Orthovisc Injection?
Orthovisc is a specially formulated orthopaedic injection to treat knee osteoarthritis. The product mimics the body’s natural synovial fluid, helping to restore joint lubrication and reduce pain caused by friction in the joint.
It offers a minimally invasive treatment option for patients who have not responded to pain medication, physical therapy, or other non-surgical approaches.
The injection is given directly into the knee joint, where it works to cushion and lubricate, helping patients regain mobility and experience pain relief for several months. As it contains highly purified hyaluronic acid, it integrates well with the body’s own biological fluids, leading to fewer adverse reactions.
Orthovisc is a valuable addition to any orthopaedic practice, and medical professionals can buy Orthovisc injections from the Nu Derma Supply online distributor, a trusted supplier of medical products.
What Is Orthovisc Injection Used for?
Orthovisc injections offer several clinical applications for managing joint pain, particularly in osteoarthritis patients. The uses include:
- Reducing pain associated with knee osteoarthritis.
- Improving mobility by enhancing joint lubrication.
- Postponing knee surgery as a non-invasive pain management option.
- Providing an alternative to NSAIDs for patients who cannot tolerate long-term use of painkillers.
- Treating other synovial joints (off-label use in some practices).
Who Is the Manufacturer of Orthovisc Shots?
Orthovisc is produced by Anika Therapeutics, a leading biopharmaceutical company based in Bedford, Massachusetts, USA. The company specialises in the development of hyaluronic acid-based treatments for orthopaedics, ophthalmology, and wound healing.
Is There a Generic for Orthovisc?
Currently, no generic version of Orthovisc is available. While similar hyaluronic acid products such as Monovisc and Cingal exist, each has a unique formulation and application process. Orthovisc remains a brand-specific product used primarily for treating knee osteoarthritis.
Benefits and Results of Using Orthovisc Injections
Orthovisc injections offer a range of benefits for osteoarthritis patients:
- Long-lasting relief: Pain relief can last for up to six months.
- Non-surgical treatment: A minimally invasive option to delay or avoid surgery.
- Enhanced joint mobility: Increases synovial fluid, improving joint flexibility.
- Low incidence of side effects: Generally well-tolerated by most patients.
- Alternative to pain medication: Reduces or eliminates the need for oral painkillers.
- Quick recovery time: Minimal downtime after the procedure, allowing patients to resume normal activities quickly.
- Customisable treatment: Suitable for repeated treatments over time.
- Improved quality of life: Allows patients to regain mobility and reduce pain, enhancing their overall lifestyle.
Orthovisc Main Ingredients and Device Properties
Orthovisc is made up of highly purified hyaluronic acid, extracted from non-animal sources, making it safe and biocompatible.
Main ingredients:
- Hyaluronan: 30 mg (high molecular weight hyaluronic acid of 1.0 – 2.9 million daltons).
- Sodium chloride: 18 mg.
- Water for injection: up to 2 ml.
Device properties:
- Sterile, pre-filled syringe: Ensures the accurate dose is delivered in a hygienic, ready-to-use format.
- Viscous consistency: Designed to stay in the joint space longer, providing sustained relief.
- Single-use device: Eliminates the risk of cross-contamination between patients.
- Ergonomic design: The syringe allows for easy administration, ensuring precise injections into the joint.
Is Hyaluronic Acid the Same as Orthovisc?
Hyaluronic acid is the primary component of Orthovisc.
However, Orthovisc is a specific formulation designed for use in treating knee osteoarthritis, offering a specialised treatment option compared to general hyaluronic acid products.
Accessories or Items Included
Each Orthovisc injection package contains:
- 1 x 2 ml pre-filled syringe with sterile hyaluronic acid solution.
- Product leaflet detailing dosage, usage, and safety information.
Storage Conditions
To maintain the efficacy and safety of Orthovisc injections, the following storage guidelines must be followed:
- Store at room temperature, but below 25°C.
- Avoid freezing since it can damage the hyaluronic acid and reduce its effectiveness.
- Store in a dark place to prevent degradation by UV rays.
- Do not shake since it may alter the consistency of the solution.
- Use before the expiration date.
Mode of Administration
Orthovisc injections must be administered by a certified medical professional. The administration process includes:
Pre-procedure:
- Confirm the absence of any joint infections.
- Clean the injection site thoroughly with an antiseptic solution.
- Ensure sterile technique throughout the procedure.
During procedure:
- Use ultrasound guidance if necessary to locate the joint space.
- Administer the injection directly into the knee joint cavity using the provided syringe and needle.
- Inject slowly and steadily, ensuring the product is evenly distributed within the joint.
Post-procedure:
- Apply a sterile bandage over the injection site.
- Advise the patient to avoid weight-bearing activities for at least 48 hours.
Post-Treatment Care
After the Orthovisc injection, patients should follow these care instructions:
- Rest the knee: Avoid high-impact activities like running or jumping for 48 hours.
- Apply ice: If there is swelling or discomfort, use an ice pack for 15-20 minutes at a time.
- Avoid excessive movement: Patients should limit knee movements to gentle, low-impact exercises.
- Monitor for reactions: Watch for signs of infection such as redness, warmth, or excessive pain at the injection site.
- Follow-up: Schedule follow-up appointments to assess pain levels and determine if further injections are needed.
How Long Do Orthovisc Effects Last?
Orthovisc injections can provide relief for up to six months, though this varies based on the severity of osteoarthritis.
Patients may require repeat treatments every six months to maintain the benefits, particularly those with chronic or advanced osteoarthritis.
Potential Side Effects
Despite its generally good safety profile, Orthovisc can sometimes cause side effects. These include:
Common side effects
- Mild pain or swelling at the injection site.
- Redness or warmth in the joint area.
Rare side effects
- Allergic reactions: Symptoms may include swelling of the face, lips, or tongue.
- Joint infection: Though rare, infections can occur if proper sterile technique is not followed.
- Severe joint pain: In rare cases, patients may experience increased pain following the injection.
Contraindications for the Treatment
Orthovisc injections should not be used in patients who:
- Have active joint infections: Any infection in or near the injection site could be worsened by the injection.
- Are allergic to hyaluronic acid: Individuals with hypersensitivity should avoid this treatment.
- Have a bleeding disorder: The injection could lead to excessive bleeding in patients with conditions such as haemophilia.
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding: The safety of Orthovisc during pregnancy has not been established.
- Have severe osteoarthritis: The treatment is not suitable for patients requiring surgical intervention.
Who Can Buy Orthovisc Injections and Where?
Orthovisc injections can be purchased only by certified medical professionals, such as orthopaedic surgeons, rheumatologists, and pain specialists.
Clinics and hospitals specialising in joint care can order these injections from Nu Derma Supply, an authorised vendor of medical supplies, to ensure the authenticity and quality of the product.
What Is Orthovisc Injection Price?
The price of Orthovisc injections typically ranges from £100 to £150 per syringe, depending on the supplier and order volume.
How Much Do Knee Gel Injections Cost?
For example, the Monovisc injection price in the UK is approximately £130 per syringe. Cingal injection price in the UK, which contains both hyaluronic acid and a corticosteroid, is between £180 and £200 per syringe, depending on the distributor.
