What is Durolane?
Durolane is a synthetic form of the natural hyaluronic acid that your body uses to lubricate your joints. Hyaluronic acid is a molecule found naturally throughout the human body. It is an important component of joint fluid, called synovial fluid, which provides lubrication and cushioning for normal, healthy knees.
What is Durolane used for?
Like other synthetic hyaluronic acids, such as Gel One TM, Durolane is used to reduce pain and improve the function of knees with arthritis. Hyaluronic acid injections are often referred to as viscosupplementation, joint fluid replacement, or joint lubrication injections. Some people still refer to them as “chicken comb” injections because the original brands were derived from chicken combs, although Durolane is not derived from any animal sources.
How does Durolane work?
When you have osteoarthritis of the knee, the hyaluronic acid breaks down and becomes diluted, reducing its natural elastic properties, which can further degrade cartilage tissue and cause increased joint pain. The hyaluronic acid in Durolane has the same composition as the natural hyaluronic acid your body produces, but it’s in a highly concentrated formulation that’s been uniquely stabilized to help resist the degradation caused by osteoarthritis. DUROLANE increases the level of healthy hyaluronic acid in the affected joint.
How is Durolane administered?
Durolane is given as a single injection into the knee joint. Ultrasound can be used to assure proper placement of the injection into the knee joint.
Who is a candidate for Durolane?
Durolane is approved for people with knee arthritis. It is not approved for use in other joints. It can be administered in arthritic hips and shoulders but this is considered an off-label application and insurance usually will not pay for the cost of the injection in these cases. People with early arthritis tend to respond better to Durolane. Medications like Durolane can be administered as often as every six months, although they may give relief for longer periods of time.
Is this a new product?
Although this may be the first time you are hearing about it, these kinds of medications have been used for decades. Durolane has been on the market since 2001.