What Is Orthovisc?

Definition: Orthovisc is a solution of high molecular weight hyaluronan. Orthovisc is similar to healthy human synovial fluid, a substance that lubricates the joints.

Orthovisc is one of the hyaluronates used in viscosupplementation. Orthovisc is injected directly into the knee joint to restore the cushioning and lubricating properties of normal joint fluid.

Orthovisc is indicated for the treatment of knee pain in osteoarthritis of the knee for those who have failed to respond to more conservative therapy. Use for other joints is being investigated.

Fast Facts About Orthovisc Injections:

• Viscosupplementation has been studied for osteoarthritis treatment since the 1970s.
• Orthovisc was FDA approved on 02/05/04.


• Orthovisc injections are typically given weekly for 3 or 4 weeks.


• Orthovisc contains the highest concentration of hyaluronan available per injection.


• Orthovisc is considered a treatment or therapy, not a drug.

Related Resources

Orthovisc Injections

Viscosupplementation

Knee Pain

Related Resources - Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis

Guide To Osteoarthritis

Test Your Knowledge: Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis Screening Quiz

Rheumatoid Arthritis Vs Osteoarthritis: Which Is It?

Also Known As: viscosupplementation, joint fluid therapy, hyaluronan injections, hyaluronate injections, joint fluid prosthesis, intra-articular knee injections

Common Misspellings: orthovisk, orothovisc, orthovesk, orthovusk

Examples: The doctor recommended Orthovisc injections to help the osteoarthritis in my knee. Orthovisc is a type of intra-articular knee injection.

_{Sources: Orthovisc Patient Information, DePuy Mitek, Inc., orthovisc.com, CDRH Consumer Information Orthovisc High Molecular Weight Hyaluronan, Center for Devices and Radiological Health, May 3, 2004}