Technology

New Treatment for Osteoarthritis Patients

For osteoarthritis patients suffering from joint pain, stiffness and loss of movement, a new treatment is now available that can reduce the side effect of painkillers besides delaying the prospect of undue surgery. Called Synvisc-one, they are a special kind of lubricant called 'viscosupplement' made from a natural substance that lubricates and cushions joint and provides up to six months of knee pain relief with just one injection.

Says Dr Sreedhar Archik, Senior Orthopaedic Surgeon Lilavati Hospital, "Viscosupplementation is the preferred therapy for patients suffering from osteoarthritis of knee where surgery and painkillers can be safely avoided. A single shot can provide relief for six to eight months as well as avert gastrointestinal complications arising out of intake of common painkillers such as NSAIDs."

Since the cause of osteoarthritis is not completely known, there is no cure but only treatments that help reduce pain. Explains Dr Kaushal Malhan, Senior Orthopedic Consultant and Surgeon, Wockhardt Hospital, "In osteoarthritis, there is breakdown of joint fluid and cartilage, the slippery disc tissue that covers and protects the ends of the bones in the joint. Viscosupplementation involves removal of diseased joint fluid and replacement with a biological substance that supplements elasticity and viscosity in the diseased knee joint and reduces pain and improves mobility."

Osteoarthritis also known as degenerative arthritis is a group of diseases and mechanical abnormalities entailing degradation of joints and affects approximately 4 out of 100 people. An International Osteoporosis Foundation assessment predicts that more than 50 per cent of osteoporosis patients will be from Asia in 2020, with India and China taking the maximum economic burden. Most people generally develop osteoarthritis after the age of 45. It is more commonly seen in women and people who are obese or those with previous knee injuries.

EH News Bureau