SynoJoynt for Knee Osteoarthritis: Complete Patient Guide

What Is SynoJoynt?

SynoJoynt is a hyaluronic acid (HA) injection designed to treat knee pain from osteoarthritis. Unlike many HA brands that use rooster comb extract, SynoJoynt is produced through bacterial fermentation—making it safe for patients with bird or egg allergies.

As a 3-injection treatment course, SynoJoynt offers a middle ground between multi-week protocols and single-shot options, providing effective pain relief at an accessible price point.

Quick Facts

Is SynoJoynt Right for You?

SynoJoynt may be a good fit if you:

• Have mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis confirmed by X-ray or MRI
• Have allergies to birds, feathers, or egg products (non-avian formula)
• Want an affordable HA option that may be preferred for step therapy requirements
• Are comfortable with 3 weekly appointments
• Have tried conservative treatments (physical therapy, NSAIDs) without sufficient relief
• Want to avoid or delay knee surgery
• Need a cost-effective alternative to premium single-injection brands

SynoJoynt is NOT suitable if you:

• Have active knee infection or skin disease around the injection site
• Are allergic to bacterial fermentation products (rare)
• Prefer single-injection convenience and don’t mind higher cost
• Have severe (bone-on-bone) arthritis that may require surgical intervention

The Allergy-Safe Advantage

SynoJoynt’s biggest differentiator is its bacterial fermentation source. Here’s why this matters:

Non-Avian Production

• No rooster comb extract: Safe for bird and egg allergies
• Bacterial fermentation: Uses controlled bioengineering to produce pure HA
• Pharmaceutical-grade purity: Consistent molecular structure without animal proteins
• Lower allergy risk: Eliminates the most common HA injection allergen

Who Benefits Most

If you have a history of:

• Egg allergies
• Bird or feather allergies
• Poultry sensitivities
• Previous reactions to avian-sourced HA products

SynoJoynt opens the door to viscosupplementation when brands like Synvisc, Hyalgan, or Supartz would be unsafe.

How SynoJoynt Works

Your healthy knee joint contains hyaluronic acid—a thick, gel-like fluid that cushions and lubricates the cartilage. Osteoarthritis breaks down this natural HA, leaving your bones with less protection and causing pain, stiffness, and grinding.

SynoJoynt replaces this lost cushioning by injecting pharmaceutical-grade hyaluronic acid directly into your knee joint. Think of it as restoring the shock absorber that arthritis has worn away.

Medium Molecular Weight Benefits

SynoJoynt uses medium-weight HA molecules (around 1,000 kDa), which offer:

• Good joint retention: Stays in the joint longer than low-weight formulas
• Balanced viscosity: Thick enough for cushioning, fluid enough to distribute evenly
• Moderate post-injection reactions: Less likely to cause swelling than high-weight cross-linked products
• Proven efficacy: Medium-weight HA has decades of clinical research supporting effectiveness

The 3-Visit Protocol

SynoJoynt follows a straightforward 3-week treatment schedule:

Week 1: First Injection

• Doctor cleans and numbs the injection site
• Injection takes 1-2 minutes
• You may feel pressure or mild discomfort during injection
• Rest for 48 hours, apply ice if needed
• Some patients experience temporary soreness

Week 2: Second Injection

• Follow same protocol as Week 1
• Cumulative HA builds up in the joint
• Early responders may notice slight improvement
• Continue avoiding strenuous activity for 48 hours post-injection

Week 3: Third and Final Injection

• Complete the treatment course
• Joint now has full cushioning effect
• Most patients begin experiencing relief within 2-4 weeks after final injection
• Schedule follow-up with doctor to assess response

Total time commitment: 3 appointments over 3 weeks, approximately 20-30 minutes per visit.

How Well Does SynoJoynt Work?

Clinical studies and real-world use of medium-weight bacterial fermentation HA show:

• Pain reduction: 50-65% of patients report significant pain relief
• Duration: Relief typically lasts 3-6 months
• Repeat courses: Can be repeated if pain returns (usually no more than twice per year)
• Functional improvement: Better mobility, less stiffness, improved daily activities
• Delay surgery: Many patients postpone or avoid knee replacement surgery

What to Expect Timeline

Weeks 1-2: Some patients notice mild improvement; others experience temporary post-injection soreness

Weeks 3-5: Pain relief typically begins as the HA accumulates in the joint

Weeks 6-12: Peak effectiveness; most patients experience their best pain relief

Months 3-6: Gradual return of symptoms as the injected HA breaks down naturally

Factors That Improve Outcomes

• Mild to moderate (vs. severe bone-on-bone) arthritis
• Younger age (under 70)
• Healthy body weight (BMI under 30)
• Staying active with low-impact exercise
• Using fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance for accurate injection placement

Side Effects and Risks

SynoJoynt is generally well-tolerated, but like any joint injection, it carries some risks:

Common (5-10% of patients):

• Temporary pain, swelling, or warmth at injection site
• Mild fluid accumulation in the knee
• Joint stiffness lasting 1-2 days
• Bruising at injection site

Uncommon (1-3% of patients):

• Significant swelling requiring fluid drainage
• Mild rash or itching
• Headache or muscle aches
• Temporary increase in knee pain (“flare reaction”)

Rare (less than 1%):

• Infection in the joint (requires immediate medical attention)
• Allergic reaction (though rare with non-avian products)
• Blood clots or pseudogout flare
• Baker’s cyst formation or rupture

Most side effects are mild and resolve within 48-72 hours. Apply ice, elevate your leg, and avoid strenuous activity for 2 days after each injection.

When to Call Your Doctor

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience:

• Severe pain that worsens after 3 days
• Fever or chills (signs of infection)
• Significant swelling that doesn’t improve with ice and elevation
• Warmth and redness spreading from the injection site
• Difficulty bearing weight on the treated knee

Allergy Safety Profile

SynoJoynt’s bacterial fermentation process eliminates the most common HA injection allergen—animal proteins from avian sources.

Safe For:

• Bird and feather allergies
• Egg allergies
• Poultry sensitivities
• Patients who had reactions to avian-sourced HA

Potential Contraindications (rare):

• Allergy to bacterial fermentation byproducts
• Sensitivity to sodium hyaluronate

Always inform your doctor of all allergies before treatment, but bacterial fermentation HA has one of the lowest allergy risk profiles in the viscosupplementation category.

Insurance Coverage and Cost

Medicare Part B

SynoJoynt is typically covered when:

• You have documented knee osteoarthritis (X-ray or MRI confirmation)
• You’ve tried conservative treatments for at least 6 weeks (physical therapy, NSAIDs, weight loss)
• Your doctor documents medical necessity
• You’ve met step therapy requirements if applicable

Medicare typically covers 80% after you meet your deductible. You pay the remaining 20% coinsurance, usually $75-$150 per course for SynoJoynt.

Step Therapy Advantage

Many insurance companies use “step therapy”—requiring you to try lower-cost treatments before approving premium options. SynoJoynt is often positioned as a first-line or second-line option due to its competitive pricing, making prior authorization easier compared to single-injection brands.

Private Insurance

Most private insurance plans cover SynoJoynt with similar requirements. Your copay or coinsurance will vary by plan, typically $100-$200 per course.

Tip: If your insurer requires step therapy, SynoJoynt may be approved faster than premium brands like Durolane or Synvisc-One, saving you both time and paperwork.

Self-Pay Cost

Without insurance, expect to pay $500-$750 for a complete 3-injection course, depending on:

• Your provider’s pricing (hospital vs. office setting)
• Geographic location
• Whether imaging guidance (fluoroscopy) is used

SynoJoynt is one of the most affordable HA options, making it accessible for self-pay patients or those with high-deductible health plans.

SynoJoynt vs. Alternatives

Choose SynoJoynt if: You have bird allergies, want an affordable HA option, or need easier step therapy approval.

Choose single-injection HA if: You prefer one-and-done convenience and are willing to pay more upfront.

Choose Durolane/Monovisc if: You want longer duration (6-12 months) and allergy-safe formulation.

Choose cortisone if: You need fast relief for acute inflammation and understand it’s short-term only.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does each SynoJoynt injection take?

The injection itself takes 1-2 minutes. With check-in, preparation, and post-injection instructions, expect 20-30 minutes per appointment.

Does SynoJoynt hurt?

Most patients describe a brief pinch or pressure during injection. Your doctor may use a numbing spray or local anesthetic. Post-injection soreness (like a deep bruise) typically lasts 24-48 hours and can be managed with ice and over-the-counter pain relievers.

Can I walk after SynoJoynt injections?

Yes, but avoid strenuous activity for 48 hours after each injection. Light walking is fine; hold off on running, heavy lifting, prolonged standing, or high-impact exercise.

How many times can I repeat SynoJoynt?

There’s no hard limit, but most doctors recommend no more than 2 courses per year (6-12 months apart). If you need more frequent injections, your doctor may consider alternative treatments like PRP or surgical options.

Will SynoJoynt cure my arthritis?

No. SynoJoynt is a symptom management tool—it reduces pain and improves function but does not reverse cartilage damage or cure osteoarthritis. It’s designed to help you stay active and delay or avoid surgery.

What if SynoJoynt doesn’t work for me?

About 35-50% of patients don’t get significant relief from HA injections. If SynoJoynt doesn’t help after a full course, options include trying a different HA brand (like longer-duration Durolane), PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections, or discussing surgical options.

Can I get SynoJoynt in both knees?

Yes, but most doctors prefer to treat one knee at a time to avoid overlapping side effects and make it easier to walk during recovery. You can treat the second knee after completing the first course.

Is SynoJoynt approved for hips or shoulders?

SynoJoynt is FDA-approved only for knee osteoarthritis. Some doctors use HA off-label for other joints, but insurance typically won’t cover off-label use.

How does SynoJoynt compare to cortisone shots?

Cortisone provides faster relief (within days) but only lasts 4-8 weeks. SynoJoynt takes 3-5 weeks to work but lasts 3-6 months. Cortisone is better for acute flares; SynoJoynt is better for sustained pain management.

Why is SynoJoynt less expensive than other brands?

SynoJoynt is positioned as an accessible, step-therapy-friendly option. Lower cost doesn’t mean lower quality—it reflects Bioventus’s market positioning and the efficiency of bacterial fermentation production.

Next Steps

If you’re considering SynoJoynt for knee osteoarthritis:

1. Confirm your diagnosis: Get an X-ray or MRI to document arthritis severity
2. Verify insurance coverage: Call your insurer or ask your doctor’s office to check prior authorization and step therapy requirements
3. Discuss allergy safety: Mention any bird or egg allergies—SynoJoynt may be your best HA option
4. Ask about imaging guidance: Fluoroscopic-guided injections improve accuracy and outcomes
5. Plan your schedule: You’ll need 3 weekly appointments; coordinate with work and other commitments
6. Compare alternatives: If you prefer single-injection convenience, ask about Monovisc (also allergy-safe)

Looking for a provider? Ask your primary care doctor for a referral to an orthopedic specialist or sports medicine physician experienced with viscosupplementation. Mention that you’re interested in non-avian HA options if you have allergies.

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any treatment for knee osteoarthritis. Treatment decisions should be based on your individual medical history, symptoms, and diagnostic findings.

Last medically reviewed: January 15, 2025