Hyaluronic Acid Therapy

Our hospital offers a procedure that involves injecting a preparation based on hyaluronic acid into the infected joint (knee, shoulder or elbow joint). The therapy will result in the alleviation of pain, faster recovery or postponed or eliminated need for surgical intervention.

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally incurring molecule that works both as a lubricant and cushioning inside the joints. Two possible gel-like preparations – Durolane and Synvisc – are used for the procedure. The procedure will be carried out in a surgery and will take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete. Durolane and Synvisc will be administered to the infected joint by injecting.

Durolane is a transparent gel that contains large quantities of hyaluronic acid. The product will be administered as intra-articular injections, where damaged by osteoarthritis, to alleviate pain and restore lubrication and cushioning, which will serve to improve the functions of joints and life quality in general.

Synvisc is a product, containing a substance, known as Hylan G-F20, which is a substance with biological properties comparable to hyaluronan. The mechanical properties (elasticity and viscosity) of Hylan G-F20 are better than the compared properties, characteristic of synovial fluid and solution of hyaluronan. Enhancing viscosity by employing Hylan G-F20 will serve to reduce pain and discomfort, contributing to restored mobility of the affected joint. In vitro studies have demonstrated that Hylan G-F20 will protect cartilage cells from physical and chemical damages.

HOW DOES DUROLANE WORK?

Durolane contains large quantity of concentrated hyaluronic acid that has an effect similar to natural hyaluronic acid. The product will replenish natural stores of hyaluronic acid, which are depleted as osteoarthritis gets more severe. Durolane is known to control pain and thanks to its viscous and elastic properties it acts like a lubricant and a shock absorber in the joint. Hyaluronic acid will also help to maintain the normal liquid balance in joints and restore normal functioning of the joint.

NASHA – a patented technology to stabilise hyaluronic acid – will make Durolane more resistant to decomposition and ensure its lasting effect, which is longer than in any other preparations that contain hyaluronic acid. This will considerably prolong the half-reaction of Durolane, while the hyaluronic acid present in other hyaluronic acid preparations will disappear in a couple of days after the injection. This is the main reason why one injection of Durolane will be sufficient, while several injections will be needed with other preparations.

HOW DOES SYNVISC WORK?

Hylan G-F 20 is biologically similar to hyaluronic acid. The mechanical properties (elasticity and viscosity) of Hylan G-F20 are better than the compared properties, which are characteristic of synovial fluid and the solution properties of hyaluronan. Enhancing viscosity by employing Hylan G-F20 will serve to reduce pain and discomfort, contributing to restored mobility of the affected joint. In vitro studies have demonstrated that Hylan G-F20 will protect cartilage cells from physical and chemical damage.

Hylan G-F 20 is a sterile, non-pyrogenic, elasto-viscous fluid that contains hylans. Hylans are derivatives of hyaluronan (sodium salt of hyaluronic acid) and represent a long-chain polymer containing repeating disaccharide units of Na-glucuronate-Nacetylglucosamine.

Hylan G-F 20:

• is a temporary addition to synovial fluids.
• is beneficial for patients at any stage of joint damage.
• works most efficiently in patients that use their damaged joints actively and on a regular basis.
• therapeutic effect is achieved by adding viscosity and restoring the physiological and rheological properties of joint tissue.