What Is Synvisc?

Definition: Synvisc is an elastic and viscous substance made from hyaluronan which is found in normal joint fluid.

Synvisc is one of the hyaluronates used in viscosupplementation.

Synvisc is injected directly into the knee joint to restore the cushioning and lubricating properties of normal joint fluid. Synvisc injections are approved for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee in those who have failed to respond to more conservative therapy. Use for other joints is being investigated.

Fast Facts About Synvisc Injections:

• Viscosupplementation has been studied for osteoarthritis treatment since the 1970s.
• Synvisc was FDA approved on 08/08/97.


• Synvisc injections are typically given once a week, 7 days apart, over a 15-day period, for a total of three injections.


• To get the best results, diseased osteoarthritic synovial fluid is typically removed from the knee before the first injection.


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

Related Resources

Synvisc 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: sinvisc, synvisk, sinvisk, synvusk, sinvusk

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

_{Sources: Patient Information Synvisc, Genzyme Corporation, synvisc.com, Synvisc CDRH Consumer Information, Center for Devices and Radiological, Hyaluronate Sodium Derivative, MayoClinic}