Viscosupplementation: The therapeutic benefit of hyaluronan
Joints affected by OA typically have lower concentrations of hyaluronic acid in the synovial fluid. As a result, the synovial fluid also has lower viscosity and elasticity than healthy synovial fluid, decreasing its ability to lubricate the joint and absorb shocks.
Viscosupplements such as ORTHOVISC mini are designed to replace the body’s natural hyaluronic acid, providing significant pain relief from the effects of OA. Only high molecular weight hyaluronan solutions can provide viscoelastic properties similar to those of healthy synovial fluid.1 ORTHOVISC mini has a high molecular weight and the highest hyaluronic acid concentration among products approved for small joint use.
Treating the small joint, not the whole body
Viscosupplementation is often offered as a treatment alternative when analgesics no longer provide sufficient relief from OA pain. The low incidence of side effects and adverse effects with viscosupplementation provide a safe alternative to systemic treatments. The European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) strongly recommends local treatments over systemic pharmacotherapies in the management of hand OA.2 This recommendation has strong implications for ORTHOVISC mini, with its targeted approach to treating small joints at the source of pain.
1Ghosh P. The role of hyaluronic acid (hyaluronan) in health and disease: interactions with cells, cartilage, and components of synovial fluid. Clin Exper Rheum 1994;12:75-82.
2European League Against Rheumatism. EULAR evidence-based recommendations for the management of hand osteoarthritis: report of a task force of the EULAR Standing Committee for International Clinical Studies Including Therapeutics (ESCISIT). Ann Rheum Dis 2007;66:377-88.
