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Injecting hyaluronic acid directly into a joint affected by osteoarthritis. Healthy synovial fluid contains hyaluronic acid and is viscous; in osteoarthritis it thins and loses part of its lubricating and cushioning effect. The injection aims to improve that. It does not rebuild cartilage.

The same thing, in everyday words. "Gel injection" usually refers to a cross-linked hyaluronic acid preparation, which is thicker than the uncross-linked kind and stays in the joint longer. Crespine Gel is one of these.

Through the treating practice or clinic. It is not supplied to private individuals, and it is not available through mail-order pharmacies or directly from the manufacturer. Speak to an orthopaedic practice, or ask us for a contact in your country.

In exactly one component. Crespine Gel+ also contains the local anaesthetic prilocaine, 3.0 mg per millilitre. Hyaluronic acid content, degree of cross-linking and presentation are identical. Both are Class III medical devices intended as a single injection. Which one is appropriate is decided by the treating physician.

Both variants are intended as a single injection per treatment course. In the cohort study by Suppan and colleagues (n = 111), the improvement in pain and mobility held over twelve months — but that study had no control group. Whether and when to repeat is a decision for the treating physician.

The instructions for use cover osteoarthritis of the knee or hip joints, for both variants. Use in other joints is not covered by the intended purpose.

Per millilitre: 1.0 mg hyaluronic acid, 14.0 mg cross-linked hyaluronic acid, 6.9 mg sodium chloride and water for injection. Crespine Gel+ additionally 3.0 mg prilocaine hydrochloride. The hyaluronic acid is obtained by biofermentation and is therefore not of animal origin.

That differs by country and by insurer. In Germany, hyaluronic acid injections for osteoarthritis are generally a self-pay service. Ask your insurer before treatment and get a written cost estimate from the practice.

BioPolymer GmbH & Co. KG in Dümmer, Germany. Quality management is certified to ISO 13485, and every batch is independently tested for endotoxin content by a third-party laboratory. netHEAVEN GmbH is the distributor, not the manufacturer.