OSTENIL® PLUS: Ultrasound-Guided Hyaluronic - Gel Injection for Joint Pain Relief

Chronic joint pain, particularly from osteoarthritis, can significantly reduce quality of life—limiting movement, causing stiffness, and making daily activities a struggle. Among the advanced non-surgical solutions available today, OSTENIL® PLUS stands out as a scientifically backed treatment that restores joint function and relieves pain. One of the most effective ways to deliver this treatment is through ultrasound-guided injection, ensuring precise placement and optimal results.

What is OSTENIL® PLUS?

OSTENIL® PLUS is a viscosupplement, which means it restores the natural viscosity (thickness) of synovial fluid in joints. It contains sodium hyaluronate, a form of hyaluronic acid, combined with mannitol, a powerful antioxidant.

Hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally found in our joints, responsible for lubrication and shock absorption. In osteoarthritis, this fluid becomes thinner and less effective—leading to friction, pain, and limited movement. OSTENIL® PLUS replenishes this lost fluid, helping your joints move smoothly again.

The Role of Synovial Fluid in Joint Health

Synovial fluid is a thick, gel-like substance that fills the small space within synovial joints—such as the knees, hips, shoulders, and ankles. Its primary function is to lubricate the joint, reduce friction, and nourish the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones. This fluid allows joints to glide smoothly during movement and acts as a natural shock absorber during weight-bearing activities like walking, running, or climbing stairs.

In healthy joints, synovial fluid maintains an optimal viscosity and contains hyaluronic acid, a molecule that provides both lubrication and elasticity. However, in osteoarthritis (OA), the composition and volume of synovial fluid change drastically:

• Hyaluronic acid concentration decreases, reducing the fluid's ability to lubricate and cushion.

• Inflammatory processes in the joint increase, leading to thinner, less effective fluid.

• As lubrication declines, bone surfaces begin to rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness, and damage to the cartilage.

• This further accelerates joint degeneration, contributing to the classic symptoms of OA: pain, swelling, crepitus, and reduced range of motion.

Therefore, maintaining or restoring the quality of synovial fluid is a key therapeutic target in osteoarthritis treatment. This is where OSTENIL® PLUS plays a critical role.

How OSTENIL® PLUS Works?

OSTENIL® PLUS is a sterile, injectable solution of sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid) combined with mannitol, specifically formulated to supplement the depleted synovial fluid in osteoarthritic joints.

1. Replaces and Enhances Synovial Fluid

The sodium hyaluronate in OSTENIL® PLUS mimics the natural hyaluronic acid found in healthy joints. When injected, it immediately improves the viscosity and elasticity of synovial fluid, providing:

• Improved joint lubrication

• Reduced friction between cartilage surfaces

• Smoother, more comfortable movement

This mechanical cushioning reduces the pain that comes from bone-on-bone contact and joint stiffness.

2. Mannitol: Extends the Effectiveness

Mannitol is a unique addition to OSTENIL® PLUS. It is a powerful antioxidant that:

• Protects the hyaluronic acid from breakdown due to reactive oxygen species and enzymes in the inflamed joint

• Stabilizes the injected solution, allowing it to stay in the joint for longer

• Enhances anti-inflammatory effects, reducing swelling and improving comfort

This means that OSTENIL® PLUS lasts longer than standard hyaluronic acid injections—often requiring only one injection per treatment cycle, with benefits lasting several months.

3. Reduces Inflammation and Cartilage Breakdown

While OSTENIL® PLUS is not a steroid, its presence in the joint helps modulate the inflammatory environment. By reducing synovial friction and oxidative stress, it:

• Decreases production of inflammatory mediators

• Slows down cartilage wear and tear

• Supports the joint’s natural healing and protective mechanisms

As a result, many patients report significant pain reduction, improved function, and increased activity tolerance within weeks after injection.

What Conditions Can Be Treated with OSTENIL® PLUS?

OSTENIL® PLUS is primarily used to treat mild to moderate osteoarthritis, but it can be effective in any condition where synovial fluid quality has deteriorated.

Common Treatment Areas:

• Knee Osteoarthritis

• Hip Osteoarthritis

• Shoulder Arthritis

• Ankle Joint Pain

• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders

• Smaller joints (hands, wrists, toes)

Why Use Ultrasound Guidance for Injections?

Ultrasound-guided injections provide real-time visualization of the joint structures, including the synovial space, cartilage, and surrounding soft tissues. This allows for:

• Accurate needle placement

• Increased safety

• Minimized discomfort

• Improved treatment outcomes

With OSTENIL® PLUS, ultrasound guidance ensures that the hyaluronic acid is delivered directly into the intra-articular space, maximizing its effectiveness and reducing the chance of complications or failed injections.

Benefits of OSTENIL® PLUS Injections

• Long-lasting pain relief for osteoarthritis

• Improved joint mobility and flexibility

• Fewer injections required due to mannitol stabilization

• Ultrasound-guided for precise delivery

• Minimally invasive, outpatient procedure

• Well-tolerated with low risk of adverse effects

• Suitable for knee, shoulder, hip, and smaller joints

• Helps delay need for surgical interventions

Evidence-Based Results

Peer-reviewed studies and clinical trials demonstrate the effectiveness of OSTENIL® PLUS:

• Up to 6 months of pain relief after a single injection

• Improved joint function measured by outcome scales such as WOMAC and VAS

• Reduced inflammation and oxidative stress in the joint

• Enhanced effectiveness when combined with physiotherapy or strengthening exercises

Side Effects and Safety

OSTENIL® PLUS is generally safe and well-tolerated. Minor, temporary side effects may include:

• Mild swelling or redness at the injection site

• Temporary joint stiffness or discomfort

• Rare allergic reactions

These typically resolve within 24–48 hours. Ultrasound guidance further reduces the risk of complications.

Conclusion:

Joint pain isn’t just an inconvenience—it can gradually limit movement, disrupt daily routines, and affect overall well-being if not properly managed. As joint function declines, so does the ability to stay active and independent.

With the precision of ultrasound-guided administration and the scientifically-backed formulation of OSTENIL® PLUS, effective joint relief is achievable. Timely treatment can restore comfort, support joint health, and help individuals return to a more active, pain-free lifestyle—without relying on invasive interventions.

References:

1. Altman, R. D., & Manjoo, A. (2021). Intra-articular hyaluronic acid for knee osteoarthritis: A critical review of clinical outcomes and application techniques. Current Rheumatology Reports, 23(3), 1-10.

2. Migliore, A., Procopio, S., Massafra, U., & Saggini, R. (2021). Use of hyaluronic acid with mannitol in patients with osteoarthritis: A review of current evidence. Clinics in Therapy, 13(2), 45-52.

3. Bannuru, R. R., Osani, M. C., & McAlindon, T. E. (2020). Ultrasound-guided intra-articular injections for knee osteoarthritis: A meta-analysis. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, 28(3), 289-301.

4. Conrozier, T., & Balblanc, J. C. (2020). Comparative efficacy of a single intra-articular injection of high molecular weight hyaluronic acid with or without mannitol in knee osteoarthritis. Rheumatology International, 40(9), 1459–1465.

5. Uth, K., & Trifonov, D. (2020). Current perspectives on intra-articular hyaluronic acid injection in the management of osteoarthritis: Evidence from recent clinical trials. Orthopedic Research and Reviews, 12, 31–42.