Durolane: A Single-Injection Solution for Knee Osteoarthritis

Doris Dickson Orthopedic Injectables June 19, 2025

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is a prevalent degenerative joint disease that affects millions of individuals worldwide, leading to chronic pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. While initial management often includes lifestyle modifications, physical therapy, and oral analgesics, these treatments may not provide sufficient relief for all patients.

In such cases, intra-articular injections offer a targeted approach to alleviate symptoms and improve joint function. Durolane, a single-injection hyaluronic acid (HA) treatment, has emerged as a valuable option for managing knee OA. This article provides an in-depth exploration of Durolane, its mechanism of action, clinical benefits, and its role in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis.

Key Takeaways

Single-Injection Treatment: Durolane provides the convenience of a single injection, reducing the need for multiple clinic visits.
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Formulation: Composed of NASHA (Non-Animal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid), which mimics the natural joint fluid to restore lubrication and cushioning.
Long-Lasting Relief: Offers pain reduction and improved function for up to 26 weeks.
Improved Joint Function: Enhances joint mobility and reduces stiffness, enabling patients to engage more actively in daily activities.
Biocompatible and Safe: Derived from a non-animal source, minimizing the risk of allergic reactions, and has a well-established safety profile.

Understanding Durolane: The Science Behind It

Durolane is a viscosupplement containing hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the synovial fluid of joints. In healthy joints, HA acts as a lubricant and shock absorber, facilitating smooth movement and protecting articular cartilage. However, in osteoarthritis, the concentration and quality of HA diminish, leading to increased friction, pain, and joint degeneration.

Durolane addresses this deficiency by providing a high molecular weight, stabilized HA that is injected directly into the knee joint. The NASHA technology used in Durolane ensures that the HA is resistant to degradation, allowing it to remain in the joint for an extended period, thus providing sustained relief. Its mechanism of action includes:

Restoring Viscosity: Increasing the thickness of the synovial fluid to reduce friction between the joint surfaces.
Enhancing Elasticity: Improving the shock-absorbing capacity of the joint fluid to protect cartilage from wear and tear.
Supporting Natural Joint Function: Facilitating smoother movement and reducing pain associated with OA.

Clinical studies have demonstrated that Durolane can significantly reduce pain and improve function in patients with knee OA, with effects lasting up to 26 weeks after a single injection (PMC Durolane Review).

Key Benefits and Qualities for Patients

Durolane offers several advantages for patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis:

Sustained Pain Relief: Patients experience a gradual reduction in pain over the weeks following the injection, with relief lasting up to 6 months or more.
Enhanced Mobility: By improving joint lubrication and cushioning, Durolane helps reduce stiffness and increases the range of motion, enabling patients to perform daily activities with greater ease.
Convenience: The single-injection regimen simplifies treatment, reducing the number of clinic visits required compared to multi-injection HA therapies.
Non-Pharmacological Approach: As a local treatment, Durolane avoids the systemic side effects associated with oral medications.
Safety: With over 2 million treatments administered worldwide, Durolane has a well-documented safety profile. It is derived from a non-animal source, reducing the risk of allergic reactions, and is suitable for repeated use (Bioventus Durolane).

Indications and Patient Selection

Durolane is indicated for the treatment of pain in osteoarthritis of the knee in patients who have not achieved adequate relief from conservative non-pharmacological therapy, such as physical therapy and exercise, or from simple analgesics like acetaminophen.

Patient selection should consider:

Severity of Symptoms: Durolane is particularly beneficial for patients with moderate to severe knee OA who experience persistent pain and functional limitations.
Response to Prior Treatments: It is suitable for individuals who have not responded sufficiently to other conservative treatments.
Preference for Non-Surgical Options: Patients who wish to delay or avoid surgical interventions, such as total knee replacement, may find Durolane a valuable alternative.

Contraindications include:

Known hypersensitivity to hyaluronic acid or any component of the product.
Presence of infections or skin diseases in the area of the injection site.
Severe bleeding disorders or use of anticoagulant therapy that cannot be discontinued.

Durolane has not been studied in pregnant or breastfeeding women, or in children, so its use in these populations is not recommended (Drugs.com Durolane).

Treatment Protocol and Administration

The administration of Durolane is a straightforward procedure performed in a clinical setting:

Single Intra-Articular Injection: Durolane is injected directly into the synovial space of the affected knee joint. If there is an effusion, it may be aspirated before the injection.
Aseptic Technique: Strict aseptic conditions must be maintained to prevent infection. The injection site is disinfected, and the procedure may be guided by ultrasound for precise placement.
Patient Comfort: While Durolane does not contain a local anesthetic, some physicians may use a topical anesthetic to minimize discomfort during the injection.

Post-injection care includes:

Resting the injected knee for 48 hours, avoiding strenuous activities, and refraining from standing for prolonged periods.
Applying ice to the injection site if swelling or discomfort occurs.

Patients should be informed that the onset of pain relief may take several weeks, as Durolane works gradually to restore joint function (Bluewater Pain).

Safety Profile and Considerations

Durolane has been extensively studied in clinical trials and has been used in over 2 million patients worldwide, demonstrating a favorable safety profile.

Common side effects are generally mild and transient, including:

Pain or discomfort at the injection site
Swelling or redness
Temporary increase in joint pain

These side effects typically resolve within a few days without intervention.

Serious adverse events are rare but may include:

Infection at the injection site
Allergic reactions
Severe pain or swelling

To minimize risks, it is crucial to adhere to proper injection techniques and patient selection criteria. Durolane is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to hyaluronic acid or avian proteins (though Durolane itself is non-animal stabilized).

Conclusion

Durolane represents a significant advancement in the non-surgical management of knee osteoarthritis. Its single-injection format, combined with its long-lasting effects and well-established safety profile, makes it an attractive option for both patients and healthcare providers. By restoring the natural properties of synovial fluid, Durolane offers sustained relief from pain and improved joint function, enhancing the quality of life for individuals with knee OA.

Frequently Asked Questions about Durolane

1. What is Durolane, and how does it work?

Durolane is a single-injection treatment containing hyaluronic acid (HA), a substance naturally found in joint fluid. It works by supplementing the knee joint with HA to restore lubrication and cushioning, thereby reducing pain and improving mobility in patients with osteoarthritis.

2. How is Durolane different from other hyaluronic acid injections?

Durolane utilizes NASHA (Non-Animal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid) technology, which provides a higher molecular weight and greater stability, allowing for a single injection that offers long-lasting relief. Many other HA products require multiple injections.

3. What are the indications for using Durolane?

Durolane is indicated for the treatment of pain in osteoarthritis of the knee in patients who have not achieved adequate relief from conservative non-pharmacological therapy or simple analgesics.

4. How long does the effect of Durolane last?

Clinical studies have shown that Durolane can provide pain relief and improved function for up to 26 weeks (approximately 6 months) following a single injection.

5. Is Durolane safe for repeated use?

Yes, Durolane has been proven safe for repeated courses of therapy. Clinical trials have demonstrated that repeated injections do not increase the risk of adverse events.

6. What are the common side effects of Durolane?

Common side effects include mild pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site, which typically resolve within a few days. Serious adverse events are rare.

7. Can Durolane be used in combination with other treatments?

Durolane can be used alongside other conservative treatments such as physical therapy and exercise. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider to ensure an integrated treatment plan.

8. How is Durolane administered?

Durolane is administered as a single intra-articular injection into the knee joint. The procedure is performed in a clinical setting under aseptic conditions, and may be guided by ultrasound for accuracy.

9. Are there any contraindications for Durolane?

Yes, Durolane should not be used in patients with known hypersensitivity to hyaluronic acid, those with infections in the knee joint or surrounding skin, or individuals with severe bleeding disorders.

10. How does Durolane compare to corticosteroid injections for knee OA?

While corticosteroid injections provide rapid but short-term relief by reducing inflammation, Durolane offers longer-lasting relief by restoring the joint’s natural biomechanical properties. Durolane is also preferred for patients who wish to avoid the potential side effects associated with repeated corticosteroid use.

Doris Dickson

About the Author: Doris Dickson is a specialist writer for Health Supplies Plus, focusing on the aesthetic medicine industry. She diligently researches cosmetic treatments and products to provide clear, concise information relevant to licensed medical professionals. Her work supports Health Supplies Plus’s commitment to being a reliable informational resource and trusted supplier for the aesthetic community.

Disclaimer: The content provided in this article is intended for informational purposes only and is directed towards licensed medical professionals. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor does it constitute an endorsement of any specific product or technique. Practitioners must rely on their own professional judgment, clinical experience, and knowledge of patient needs, and should always consult the full product prescribing information and relevant clinical guidelines before use. Health Supplies Plus does not provide medical advice.