Patient Education | Mountain Valley Orthopedics

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is a condition that can affect the mobility and elasticity of your knee joints. In a knee with OA,
there is a breakdown of joint fluid and cartilage, the slippery tissue that covers and protects the ends of bones in the joint.
Most patients feel pain, stiffness and loss of movement. In severe cases, bones can rub against each other.

What are the stages of OA of the knee? OA can be very mild or so severe that it limits your everyday activities:

Mild-Cartilage
begins to wear down. Symptoms are generally mild, and may include pain that comes and goes.

Moderate-Cartilage continues
to wear away. Joint fluid may lose its ability to lubricate and cushion the knee. You may have more pain and difficulty in movement.

Severe-Areas of cartilage may totally wear away, causing bones to rub against each other. You may experience significant pain.
The symptoms of OA are treatable, especially in the early stages. If you have pain or stiffness in your joints, talk to your doctor.

Who is at risk for OA of the knee?
The cause of OA of the knee is unknown, but certain factors may put you at higher risk of developing it.

Risk factors include:
Age-Most people develop OA after age 45,and it is most common in people over age 65.

Obesity-For every pound gained, you put three extra pounds of pressure on your knees. Since the knees support the weight
of your body, being overweight increases your risk of OA.

Gender-OA is more prevalent in women, after age 55.

Heredity-Genes responsible for making and maintaining cartilage may be linked with OA.

Injury or Overuse - Studies have shown that people who have had a previous knee injury are 3 to 7 times more likely to develop
OA of the knee than those who have never had aknee injury.

Muscle Weakness - Weak thigh muscles have been shown to increase the risk of developing OA. If you have any OA risk factors,
talk to your doctor. He or she can help you take steps to protect your joints.

Get the facts.
Now that you've been diagnosed with osteoarthritis (OA) ofthe knee, you probably have a lot of questions. Rest easy-it's natural to
wonder about your condition and how SYNVISC® might help. To ease your mind, read through the following information, and as always,
consult your doctor when you need to know more.

What does OA mean for you?
OA knee pain doesn't usually go away on its own. In fact, if it's untreated, it can gradually get worse. In a knee with OA, the
joint fluid may break down and disappear over time. The cartilage in your knee joint can wear down, and the lining of the joint can
become irritated. Your movement may be limited,and you may feel knee pain.

What causes osteoarthritis ofthe knee?

Age (it's most common in people over 45)

Past participation in competitive sports

A previous knee injury

A job that puts extra strain on your knees

A history of OA in your family

What is SYNVISC?

SNYVISC is an FDA-approved, pill-free* treatment that can provide up to 6 months of OA knee pain relief.
Injected directly into the knee joint in just 3 doctor visits, 1 week apart, SYNVISC replaces damaged
joint fluid with a substance that has cushioning and lubricating abilities similar to those of normal, healthy
joint fluid.

What are the benefits of SYNVISC?

Used to treat more than 2.2 million knees in the U.S., no other treatment of its kind delivers a greater
magnitude of pain relief than SYNVISC. SYNVISC may be able to offer you:

Up to 6 months of knee pain relief with one course of treatment.

None of the gastrointestinal and cardiovascular issues associated with oral medications.

Double the pain relief when added to standard treatment, such as diet, exercise, acetaminophen and NSAIDS.

How is SYNVISC given?

SYNVISC is injected directly into the knee joint in just 3 doctor visits, 1 week apart. Other similar
therapies typically require 4 or 5 injections to be effective for the same amount of time as SYNVISC.

When will the treatment start to work?

While some patients may begin to feel better after the first injection you need to have all 3 injections
to get the maximum benefit. Most patients feel the greatest relief 8 to 12 weeks after the 3rd injection.

Can both my knees be treated with SYNVISC?

Yes. You can receive treatment in both knees at the same time, or at different times. Ask your doctor
what is best for you.