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Biotech / Medical : Biomatrix (BXM) Looking Great -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: John McCarthy who wrote (181)	11/15/1997 10:54:00 AM
From: chirodoc	Respond to of 569

<<<<<Could you layout for the thread, the steps involved with a patient getting Synvisc. two possible scenarios: 1. patient has knee pain--elderly and chronic--goes to GP or ortho and says i hurt--ortho takes x-rays says it is just osteoarthritis--no known cure--but we have this new injection that is somewhat experimental, etc.--bingo--the shot--hopefully patient feels better--patient returns in 6 months for more. at some point if there are frayed parts of the joint the doc my ask that an arthrscopic surgeon have a go at removing loose ends to clean up the meniscus etc. 2. the other option is a response to the recent post we both saw--patient has surgery and the surgeon knows the results will be better if he not only rinses the area (saline, antiseptic, etc.) but now finishes with a shot of synvisc--patient could wake up feeling good and doctor is a hero--adds a bit more to cost but improves results. 3. patient needs some kind of knee surgery--could be patient from 40-60 and doc says let's just give one shot a try and see what happens (cheaper than surgery and safer than cortisone). this might be as an alternative to cortisone or long term use of nsaids. it is surprising how many docs just want to give symptomatic releif and take no risks--if synvisc is safer than cortisone (likely) and the cost can drop it could later be used in hips, ankles, shoulders, etc. these are a few scenarios--is this what you wanted?

To: John McCarthy who wrote (181)	11/15/1997 11:49:00 AM
From: James Baker	Respond to of 569

John and Chirodoc, I think that arthroscopy will be a very UNcommon part of the Synvisc treatment picture. The previous note was from an anesthesiologist - he works in the operating room putting patients to sleep for surgery. So I think that his view is slanted. The most common scenario will be just like we have heard from Canada - exam, x-ray --->diagnosis (osteoarthritis)-----> these are the current treatments (daily NSAIDS with potential side effects esp bleeding ulcers in elderly or Synvisc) The usual treatment we all know is 3 injections given weekly. The beneficial effects then last 6-8 months or as some have posted possibly a lot longer. NO NO NO this is NOT NOT NOT experimental!!!!! It is proven effective and FDA approved!!!!! Chiro I hope you are NOT part of the WA team "promoting" Synvisc or it will be a very uphill battle with your patient/doctor interaction. Jim