Monovisc is a single injection viscosupplement used to treat knee joints affected byosteoarthritis.
It is an intra-articular injection, meaning it is injected into the affected joint.
Monovisc is marketed by DePuy Synthes, Mitek Sports Medicine under a license agreement with Anika.
Stephen Smith / Photographer’s Choice RF / Getty Images
The hyaluronan is derived from bacterial cells and is cross-linked with a proprietary solution.
In osteoarthritis, there are abnormalities with the synovial fluid as well.
Synovial fluid lubricates the joint normally, allowing for friction-free movement.
Other Viscosupplements
The first viscosupplement was approved in 1997.
This conclusion was based on a meta-analysis of 89 randomized trials involving more than 12,000 knee osteoarthritis patients.
It is most effective if the arthritis is in its early stages (mild to moderate).
Some patients may feel pain at the injection site, and occasionally the injections result in increased swelling.
It may take several weeks to notice an improvement after viscosupplementation.
Not all patients will have relief of pain.
If the injections are effective they may be repeated after a period of time, usually 6 months.
The long-term effectiveness of viscosupplementation is not yet known and research continues in this area."
Feb 25, 2014.
2012;157(3):180-91. doi:10.7326/0003-4819-157-3-201208070-00473
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons,Viscosupplementation Treatment for Arthritis.
