Did you know that single and multiple intra-articular hyaluronic acid injections (HA) have effectively reduced pain and improved function for patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA)? A study highlights the positive impact of HA injections, enhancing the quality of life for individuals managing knee OA symptoms.
In patients with knee OA, intra-articular hyaluronic acid injections can effectively manage symptoms. These treatments provide temporary relief and are commonly recommended by healthcare providers. Monovisc and Synvisc are brand-name products that offer lasting relief to knee OA patients.
This article will compare Monovisc vs Synvisc, their compositions, treatment protocols, benefits, and potential side effects.
Key Takeaways
- Viscosupplementation involves injecting hyaluronic acid into the affected joint for maximum relief and benefits.
- Medical professionals may recommend viscosupplementation for individuals without relief in first-line therapies.
- When injected, Monovisc and Synvisc formulations lubricate knee joints and act as cushions between bones.
- Both have shown safety and effectiveness, making the treatment choice based on patient preferences and clinical considerations.
- Patients can expect common Synvisc and Monovisc side effects after treatment, which may subside after a few days.
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Understanding Viscosupplementation Treatments for Osteoarthritis

Despite the incurable osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee, viscosupplementation emerged in the medical field to provide temporary symptomatic relief to individuals suffering from this degenerative joint disease. Viscosupplementation involves injecting hyaluronic acid (HA) into the affected joint for maximum relief and benefits.
This HA acts as a lubricant and shock absorber in the joint, reducing pain and improving joint function. In knee OA, the cartilage cap that covers joint bones wears down, leading to abnormal bone scraping. Replenishing the HA in the joint’s synovial fluid lubricates and cushions the joints, restoring joint function.
Medical professionals may recommend viscosupplementation for individuals without relief in first-line therapies like physical therapy or simple analgesics. It benefits patients with mild to moderate knee OA and can help delay surgical interventions.
Composition and Mechanism of Action

Among many viscosupplements, medical professionals may compare Monovisc vs Synvisc to determine the most preferred option for treating knee osteoarthritis (OA) symptoms. Understanding the composition and mechanism of action of these viscosupplements can result in a more suitable treatment choice for each individual.
Monovisc knee injections contain an ultra-pure, partially cross-linked sodium hyaluronate (NaHA) in a phosphate-buffered saline solution. It utilizes a non-avian hyaluronic acid (HA) that supplements the hyaluronic acid naturally found in the synovial fluid of a healthy knee.
Meanwhile, Synvisc injections offer an elastoviscous, high-molecular-weight fluid containing hylan A and hylan B polymers produced from chicken combs. The derivatives of the sodium hyaluronate (hylans) provide a unique, chemically crosslinked HA.
Despite differences in composition and HA source, Monovisc and Synvisc have a similar mechanism of action. When injected, their formulations lubricate knee joints and act as cushions between bones. By supplementing the HA in the synovial fluid, Monovisc and Synvisc minimize joint pain and stiffness and improve joint mobility and function.
Clinical Efficacy and Treatment Protocols
In a randomized controlled trial comparing Monovisc versus saline, the Monovisc group had more patients who experienced success (with at least 50% pain improvement and a 20 mm increase in WOMAC pain scores) than those who received saline injections. Monovisc’s single-injection treatment containing hyaluronic acid effectively reduces knee pain within just two weeks and is considered safe.
According to Synvisc’s clinical trials, the multi-injection therapy provides long-lasting relief for up to six months for chronic osteoarthritis (OA) knee pain. Moreover, in a randomized, controlled clinical trial versus another viscosupplement, patients experienced an average 44.8% reduction in pain from baseline with Synvisc at 12 months.
With Monovisc and Synvisc’s efficiency in treating knee OA, they differ in their treatment protocols. Monovisc knee injection offers a 4 mL single-injection therapy, while Synvisc involves at least three injections spaced a week apart. Both have shown safety and effectiveness, making the treatment choice based on patient preferences and clinical considerations.
Benefits, Side Effects, Cost, and Patient Satisfaction

A thorough consultation with medical professionals can help individuals understand and determine which viscosupplement suits their needs, goals, and knee osteoarthritis (OA) conditions. Furthermore, due to their similar mechanism of action, Monovisc and Synvisc can offer the same benefits to patients.
- Long-Lasting Results
- Cost-Effective than Surgical Interventions
- Improved Joint Mobility
- Reduced Joint Pain
- Enhanced Quality of Life
However, they differ in a few factors, such as treatment protocols. A Monovisc knee injection is administered as a single injection, while Synvisc requires at least three injections for a complete cycle. They also differ from Monovisc’s non-animal-sourced and Synvisc’s chicken combs.
Moreover, patients can expect common Synvisc and Monovisc side effects after treatment. These reported symptoms often resolve within a few days post-treatment. However, when these persist, patients must seek medical attention immediately.
- Monovisc Side Effects: Transient swelling and discomfort.
- Synvisc Side Effects: Pain in the injected knee, swelling in the injected knee, and joint effusion.
Individuals should seek medical professionals’ advice for a proper cost comparison. Factors influencing treatment costs include the number of treatments, injections used, and the provider’s expertise. At Medica Depot, a Monovisc product contains a 4 mL injection for $349, while Synvisc has three 2 mL injection for $329.
According to Drugs.com, Monovisc and Synvisc have mixed reviews. Monovisc received 50% of reviewers who shared their positive experience, while 37% reported their negative encounters with the single-injection therapy. Synvisc ratings showed that 62% of reviewers were satisfied, while 35% left negative encounters. Individual experiences may vary, so individuals must consult their healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Conclusion
The comparison between Monovisc vs Synvisc provides insights for individuals seeking viscosupplementation treatment for knee osteoarthritis (OA). Both products offer effective relief by lubricating knee joints and acting as cushions between bones, minimizing pain and stiffness while improving joint mobility and function.
While Monovisc presents a promising single-injection therapy with rapid pain reduction, Synvisc demonstrates long-lasting relief with a multi-injection protocol. Ultimately, the choice between Monovisc and Synvisc depends on individual preferences, treatment goals, and clinical considerations.
FAQs
1. What are the key differences between Monovisc and Synvisc?
Monovisc is a single-injection therapy containing ultra-pure, partially cross-linked sodium hyaluronate. At the same time, Synvisc involves at least three injections of elastoviscous, high-molecular-weight fluid containing hylan A and hylan B polymers produced from chicken combs.
2. What are the key benefits of Monovisc and Synvisc for individuals managing knee osteoarthritis symptoms?
Monovisc and Synvisc offer effective relief by lubricating knee joints and acting as cushions between bones, minimizing pain and stiffness while improving joint mobility and function. Monovisc provides rapid pain reduction within just two weeks with its single-injection treatment, while Synvisc demonstrates long-lasting relief for up to six months with its multi-injection therapy.
3. How should individuals choose between Monovisc and Synvisc for knee osteoarthritis?
The choice between Monovisc and Synvisc depends on individual preferences, treatment goals, and clinical considerations. Consulting with healthcare professionals can help individuals make informed decisions based on their needs and conditions.
References
- Safali, S., Ertaş, E. S., Özdemir, A., & Cataklı, D. (2024). Evaluation of single and multiple hyaluronic acid injections at different concentrations with high molecular weight in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. BMC musculoskeletal disorders, 25(1), 164. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-024-07200-y
- SYNVISC® (Hylan G‐F 20) and Synvisc‐One® (Hylan G‐F 20) Clinical Efficacy | For HCPs. (n.d.). Www.synvisconehcp.com. Retrieved August 5, 2024, from https://www.synvisconehcp.com/clinical-efficacy