Curavisc® examined in study after knee joint arthroscopy

09.10.2009 14:56

Effective use of the hyaluronic acid preparation proven – Curavisc® recommended for everyday clinical use

The high effectiveness and safety of the hyaluronic acid preparation Curavisc® from curasan AG in the follow-up treatment of knee joint arthroscopy was presented at the 58th annual conference of the North German Orthopedic Association.

The basis was a study by the Caritas Hospital Bad Mergentheim. The aim of the prospective study was to find out what effects Curavisc® has on inflammation and pain parameters after knee arthroscopy.

This question was tested in 2008 in 100 patients with knee arthrosis who underwent arthroscopic joint lavage. “This usually leads to increased pain and joint swelling in the immediate postoperative period,” explains Dr. Wolf-Dietrich Hübner, head of the medical department at curasan AG.

The reason for this is the fact that during arthroscopy the body's own hyaluronic acid present in the joint is completely flushed out - the joint is initially dry, so that the cartilage surfaces are in direct contact and rub against each other unprotected. This can lead to pain and restricted movement. According to the results of the study, administering Curavisc® immediately at the end of the arthroscopy can achieve a significant reduction in pain as well as earlier mobility and resilience. The continuous improvement of symptoms in all parameters was documented over an examination period of 7 days after the procedure. 

“Although painkillers can also have a good effect on surgery-related pain after arthroscopy, frequently occurring gastrointestinal side effects limit their use - especially in older patients,” explains Dr. Wolf-Dietrich Hübner. However, Curavisc®, a preparation introduced into the joint immediately after knee arthroscopy, has proven in the study to be a safe and effective product that directly addresses the cause of the pain. None of the patients experienced any complications that could be attributed to the use of the hyaluronic acid preparation. Curavisc® is therefore recommended for everyday clinical practice, as pain is reduced after the procedure and the patient's mobility increases significantly in the first seven days.