Knee Lubricant Reduces Arthritic Pain 38%

Two studies have shown that a fluid called Synvisc can provide significant improvement in pain, stiffness, and physical functioning in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. The studies were published in the July 2002 issue of Osteoarthritis and Cartilage.

As people age, the synovial fluid in their knees becomes thinner and loses its elasticity and viscosity, causing pain. Now a treatment made from a substance called hyluronan, found in normal joint fluid, can be injected into the knee, providing lubrication and serving as a shock absorber to cushion the knee joint.

In the studies, 255 patients at 14 sites were randomized to receive either care with Synvisc or such options as acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, ice, heat, or weight reduction. The results showed that the patients who received Synvisc had outcomes superior to the control group for all of the primary and secondary inputs. Specifically, the Synvisc group improved 38% from baseline in a validated measurement of osteoarthritis pain, compared with a 13% improvement for the control group. The same significant differences were seen in joint stiffness and physical functioning.

"The improved quality of life gained by patients in our study who were treated with Synvisc appeared to be well worth the added costs associated with the treatment,” said George W. Torrance, Ph.D., from McMaster University in Hamilton (Canada).

Synvisc is manufactured by Genzyme Biosurgery (Cambridge, MA, USA). Synvisc is administered in three injections over a 15-day period and can provide up to six months of osteoarthritic pain relief, says the company.




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