Visco-supplementation is a joint fluid therapy that uses a solution made of highly purified sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronan or HA) as a non-surgical treatment for osteoarthritis (OA). Hyaluronan is found naturally in the joint tissues and synovial fluid (the fluid that fills the joints). The body uses hyaluronan as a shock absorber and lubricant. OA negatively affects the quality of synovial fluid, compromising its ability to protect and lubricate. The goal of visco-supplementation is to augment with additional highly purified hyaluronan the poor quality hyaluronan in a painful arthritic joint.
The response to treatment varies from individual to individual. Some people may only need three treatments while others may need four or more. The average number of treatments is one to three, with treatments administered one week apart. Once you have been evaluated to see if you are an appropriate candidate, your specific treatment schedule will be determined.
