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| Donald A. Morrison, M.D.
Jack C. Childers, M.D. Kenneth C. Gertsen, M.D. P. Dickson Jones, M.D. Frank J. Catanzariti, M.D. Paul C. McAfee, M.D. Bruce S. Wolock, M.D. David F. Dalury, M.D. Ira L. Fedder, M.D. Stuart Winakur, M.D. Brian D. Mulliken, M.D. Vincent M. Osteria, M.D. Jeffrey T. Brodie, M.D. Anthony W. Colpini, M.D. Michael J. Marion, M.D. Inside This Issue:
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 Do your knees hurt when you climb a flight of stairs? Do you experience morning knee stiffness or have difficulty walking short distances? Answer “yes” to any of these questions and you are not alone. You may be one of 15.8 million Americans with osteoarthritis. Researchers are working around the clock to find ways to improve the quality of life for people with this debilitating condition. Two new products called Synvisc and Hyalgan, available for people with knee osteoarthritis, are receiving a lot of publicity. Many of our patients are asking if the treatments will work for them.
The FDA has approved these products only for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis develops because the lining of the joint (articular cartilage) is deteriorating. When this occurs, the lubricant-like joint fluid (synovial fluid) becomes diluted and somewhat thin. The concept of these new treatments is to return the fluid’s elasticity and thickness to a more normal level. Think of it like having your car’s oil changed and how smoothly the gears work with fresh oil. Synvisc and Hyalgan are offered to patients who have failed such conservative arthritis treatments as anti-inflammatories, steriod injections, physical therapy for muscle strengthening, weight loss when appropriate, crutches, and canes. It’s only when these conservative methods have failed and the patient faces surgery such as arthroscopy or a knee replacement, that Synvisc and Hyalgan can become an option. These non-drug therapies consist of three injections into the knee over a three-week period. Following treatment completion, many patients can expect to experience less pain. Some patients who have had the injections have shown promising results for 2-18 months. There are some patients, however, who do not experience any relief following the therapy. In some cases, however, Synvisc or Hyalgan can be a last chance to delay a total knee replacement. The medical community has welcomed the products and most insurance companies will pay for them, though they are expensive. They are Medicare approved, good news for seniors, a large number of whom suffer from osteoarthritis. If you are wondering if Synvisc or Hyalgan are right for you, please discuss them with one of our physicians. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
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