South Africans living with chronic knee osteoarthritis may soon have greater access to pain relief without immediately resorting to surgery, as local medical distributor Anstem Medical expands the availability of two in-office joint preservation treatments nationwide.
The company has introduced wider access to Monovisc and Cingal, two hyaluronic acid (HA) therapies designed to reduce knee pain, improve mobility and help delay the need for knee replacement surgery. The treatments are administered by accredited healthcare practitioners in consulting rooms, offering an alternative for patients facing long waits for orthopaedic procedures.
The expansion comes as South Africa continues to grapple with growing pressure on its healthcare system. Public hospitals are battling knee and hip replacement waiting lists that can stretch beyond three years, while patients in the private sector often wait several months before seeing an orthopaedic specialist.
Healthcare professionals believe earlier intervention could help thousands of patients remain active while reducing pressure on hospitals.
According to Sr Hanneke Vallentgoed, who works with patients at Triomf Kliniek, the injections have become an important option where access to joint replacement surgery remains limited.
She explained that hyaluronic acid treatments do more than simply mask pain. Instead, they help restore the joint’s natural cushioning, improve mobility and support the remaining cartilage, enabling many patients to maintain their independence and quality of life.
The financial aspect of treatment is also expected to improve accessibility. Eligible members of Discovery Health may qualify for reimbursement through applicable in-hospital benefits, depending on their medical scheme option and benefit rules.
Because the injections can be performed safely in a doctor’s consulting room, patients may avoid using their Medical Savings Account while also sidestepping many of the costs associated with hospital-based procedures, including theatre fees, anaesthesia and overnight stays.
Angus Mulder, Commercial Director at Anstem Medical, said clinicians are increasingly focusing on preserving joints before irreversible damage occurs.
“If patients are only treated once cartilage has completely worn away, surgery often becomes the only option,” he said. “Early joint preservation offers healthcare professionals a clinically supported way to reduce pain while helping patients delay more invasive procedures.”
The company offers two treatment options depending on patient needs. Monovisc is a single-injection therapy that provides long-lasting joint lubrication and cushioning, while Cingal combines hyaluronic acid with a corticosteroid to deliver both immediate inflammation relief and longer-term joint support.
Alongside expanding access through private practices, Anstem Medical is also increasing partnerships with healthcare organisations and orthopaedic specialists to provide donation-based treatments for under-resourced communities. The company is working with academic state hospitals and charitable organisations to support patients affected by lengthy surgical waiting lists.
Medical education also forms part of the initiative, with ongoing training programmes helping general practitioners and orthopaedic specialists develop skills in early diagnosis and in-office joint preservation.
As demand for orthopaedic care continues to rise, non-surgical treatment options are increasingly being viewed as an important way to keep patients mobile while reducing pressure on South Africa’s already strained healthcare system.
Main Image: Supplied
