Supartz and microfracture Pt.2

[jt801]

As i posted earlier, my OS gave me 5 injections of Supartz after my MFX in order to assist the formation of the fibrocartilage. According to the available info it is inevitable that the fibrocartilage will start to break down at some point. What i wonder is if regular injections of Supartz, Synvisc, or any of the other products available would improve the function and especially the longevity of the fibrocartilage?

[Lottiefox]

I can only go on what my OS recommended when he suggested MFX and that was a course of Hylauron following the surgery and then top ups along the way to help the longevity of the joint and function. I think he works on the assumption that if injections help lubricate the moving surfaces then the fibrocartilage won't be as stressed so *could* last longer and be more durable. He didn't have any hard evidence to back it up (not that he mentioned!) but I guess it makes sense. I have read about some people for who the injections simply stop having a positive effect though, so I guess it would be a case of trying and seeing. I know there are also cases of people having plasma injections (PRP type) after surgery to help the joint heal and function.

My view would be if it *might* help extend the repair, then it is worth it. 

[jt801]

I completely agree. Did your OS by any chance make a recommendation as to how often he would want you to get the injections? In my situation i had almost no pain for the first 3-4 months after i got off the crutches following my MFX? I could be wrong but i believe the Supartz injections had something to do with that. Only in the last few months has some pain started to creep in perhaps because of the supartz wearing off?

[Lottiefox]

Hi,

He didn't specify precise times because we've not got to the "doing the MFX" stage yet, but he commented that the injections he liked tended to have an effect for around 3 months then start to wear off (he uses Euflexxa) ...so my husband said could I realistically have them every 3-4 months to keep a rolling effect and he said that would be a plan worth trying. the way I understand them is that they aren't like steroids so you can't actively OD on it or damage things, but you need a balance so you don't end up getting immune to them, as with any form of medication/treatment I think.

I should just bite the bullet and try them before any surgery I think!!!

Hope this helps in some smal way!

Lottie 

[jt801]

Ok, i asked my OS' PA about the supartz injections to assist the mfx. He said that yes, it would be helpful, but that only if the microfractured knee started to act up. So no, they do not give them as a matter of course-in his words the injections can be "too much of a good thing."