Replace What's Missing™ with ORTHOVISC®

HyaluronanHyaluronan/Hyaluronate
A substance found naturally in joint fluid that acts as a shock absorber and lubricant in the knee joint and is necessary for the joint to function properly. is critical for joint homeostasisHomeostasis
The maintenance of relatively stable internal physiological conditions such as body temperature or the pH of blood. Hyaluronic Acid (HA)Hyaluronic Acid
A substance injected into a knee with osteoarthritis. Serves to restore lubrication and shock absorbing capabilities that have been depleted due to the disease of osteoarthritis. provides rheologicRheologic
Of or relating to the phenomena of flowing matter properties viscosityViscosity
The property of resistance to flow in a fluid (visco-lubrication) and elasticity (elastic-load absorption) of synovial fluidSynovial Fluid
A lubricating fluid resembling the white of an egg, secreted by certain membranes, as those of the joints; also called joint fluid and stimulates production of HA in the synoviumSynovium
The inner membrane of a joint capsule surrounding a freely movable joint..

Viscosupplementation is the process that restores normal rheologic properties in the synovial fluid. Though the actual mode of action is unknown, studies have shown viscosupplementation injections can:

	re-establish the protection, lubrication, shock absorption and barrier effects1
	protect cartilageCartilage A usually translucent somewhat elastic tissue that composes most of the skeleton from degradation2
	desensitize sensory receptors3
	supply an elastoviscousElastoviscous/Elastoviscosity And ideal viscosupplementation solution enhances elastic (high impact- such as running) and viscous (low impact- such as walking) properties in a knee with osteoarthritis shield under which normal tissue regeneration and function can occur1

The effects of injections appear to last longer than the residence time in the joint (24-48 hours). This suggests HA helps to restore the homeostasisHomeostasis
The maintenance of relatively stable internal physiological conditions such as body temperature or the pH of blood (stable state of equilibrium) of the joint.

Elasticity, viscosity and HA's ability to protect the joint are decreased with aging and osteoarthritisOsteoarthritis
Arthritis typically with onset during middle or old age that is characterized by degenerative (gradual deterioration of joint) and sometimes abnormal growth in the bone and cartilage of one or more joints and a progressive wearing down of opposing joint surfaces with consequent distortion of joint position and is marked symptomatically especially by pain, swelling, and stiffness; abbreviation (OA). ORTHOVISC® injections help to Replace What's Missing™ and restore the viscosity and elasticity of the osteoarthritic knee.

Click here to view Dr. John Richmond’s presentation on Treating Osteoarthritis in Today’s Clinical Practice