What is Ostenil® Plus / Monovisc and Hyaluronic Acid Injections?
Ostenil® Plus and Monovisc are single injection solutions most commonly used for treatment of knee and joint osteoarthritis. They can help reduce pain and stiffness.
The solutions contain varying amounts of sodium hyaluronate which is already naturally present within the fluid inside your knee. When you have an arthritic joint the body often breaks down more hyaluronate than it can replenish, injecting Ostenil® Plus or Monovisc into your knee can help restore the normal balance again. The synovial fluid in the knee helps keep the bones apart and protects the cartilage from wear. It also acts as a shock absorber and helps lubricate the joint so it can move more freely. The fluid in your knee also helps filter out any harmful cells and substances from reaching your cartilage.
What about products like Synvisc?
All of these types of joint injections including Ostenil® plus and Monovisc are known as Hyaluronic Acid (HA) injections. Ostenil® Plus and Monovisc is just one particular brand of HA injection available on the market. Other brands such as Synvisc one are other examples of similar HA injections.
Is it supported by the research?
There are a number of research papers supporting the use of Ostenil® Plus and Monovisc injections (HA injections). A recent systematic review of the current global clinical practice guidelines supported the use of HA injections for treatment of knee osteoarthritis (reference). In many cases you can get HA injections within the NHS but as it is expensive this can often require your GP to apply for special funding.
Can you use Ostenil® or Monovisc elsewhere in the body?
It can also be used in other synovial joints such as the big toe, shoulder and thumb. We most commonly use it in the knee.
How does it work?
Ostenil® plus and Monovisc injection increases the viscosity of the synovial fluid inside your knee joint, this helps with lubrication as well as acting as a shock absorber. It also promotes a protective coating of hyaluronate over the inside of the joint membrane.
Who is this injection appropriate for?
It is most appropriate for people with mild to moderate osteoarthritis (OA) – especially in the knee. It is especially useful for those who have OA but are still very active as well as those attempting to delay having a total knee replacement.
Can I have more than one injection?
Yes, many of patients get benefit for up to 12 months and will often have a repeat joint injection when their symptoms start to return.
Why is this different to steroid?
Steroid is a strong anti-inflammatory medication that works well with knees that are often hotter, redder and more swollen. Ostenil® Plus and Monovisc work in a different way to steroids (see above) and can often result in a much longer lasting benefit.
How long can it take to work?
It can take a couple of weeks for you to feel the benefit from an Ostenil® Plus or Monovisc joint injection for osteoarthritis. Some patients do feel better almost immediately but most will take between one and 5 weeks for the effects to gradually build up.
Are there any side effects or risks?
Ostenil® Plus and Monovisc has undergone a lot of testing and there are no known reports of any allergies or adverse reactions. As it is an injection there is the possibly of some pain afterwards around the injection site and a very tiny risk of an infection. This is extremely rare as we only inject in strict sterile conditions.
Who will administer my joint injection?
Your injection will be carried out by either Graham Morgan, Abi Holt or Niall Carter who are all Clinical Lead MSK Physiotherapists and experienced injection therapists. To read more about Graham, Abi and Niall click here.
What should I do next if I want to have an Ostenil® Plus or Monovisc joint injection?
Please email us using the address enquiries@consortiumphysio.co.uk or give us a call on 01482 847705. We often will often get one of our clinicians to ring you prior to you arranging any appointments just to ensure you are appropriate and minimise the risks of you having a wasted journey.