Definition: Supartz is a solution of highly purified sodium hyaluronate. Supartz is one of the hyaluronates used in viscosupplementation.
Supartz is injected directly into the knee joint to restore the cushioning and lubricating properties of normal joint fluid. The injections are approved for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee in those who have failed to respond to simple painkillers, exercise or physical therapy. Use for other joints is being investigated.
Fast Facts About Supartz Injections:
- Viscosupplementation has been studied for osteoarthritis treatment since the 1970s.
- Supartz was FDA approved on 01/24/01.
- Supartz injections are typically given once a week for 5 weeks.
- Supartz was the world's first hyaluronan joint fluid therapy, first introduced in Japan in 1987.
- Supartz is considered a treatment of therapy, not a drug.
Also Known As: joint fluid therapy, viscosupplementation, hyaluronan injections, hyaluronate injections, joint fluid prosthesis, intra-articular knee injections
Common Misspellings: suparts, suepartz
Examples:
The doctor recommended Supartz injections to help the osteoarthritis in my knee. Supartz is a type of intra-articular knee injection.
Sources:
CDRH Consumer Information Supartz, Center for Devices and Radiological Health, 3/6/2001.
Supartz, CenterWatch Newly Approved Drug Therapies Listing, June 29, 2004.
Patient Education, Smith & Nephew, supartz.com
