Viscosupplementation is a procedure that can increase the cushioning and lubrication of osteoarthritic synovial, or joint, fluid. Viscosupplementation has been studied as a treatment for osteoarthritis since the 1970s. This procedure is not a cure for osteoarthritis of the knee, hip, shoulder or ankle; it is a treatment that may reduce or eliminate pain that occurs with this condition.

With viscosupplementation, your health care professional injects a gel that is similar to healthy synovial fluid into your joint. The goals of viscosupplementation are to:

	Restore the properties of shock absorption and lubrication to diseased synovial fluid.
	Reduce or stop the pain from osteoarthritis of the joint.
	Improve mobility.

The success of viscosupplementation may depend on how well the fluid restores the elasticity and lubrication of the synovial fluid. Individual results may vary.

Synvisc^® is the only viscosupplementation product on the market that has been proven to provide pain relief from osteoarthritis of the joint (such as the knee or shoulder) for up to 12 months. The elastic and lubrication properties of Synvisc^® are similar to those of synovial fluid from healthy joints in 18- to 27-year-old adults.