Acupuncture vs. Synvisc for treatment of Osteoarthritis of knee

[Kneecap]

Last June, 2008, I was walking when my right knee gave in inwardly (sideways and inward).  The result was a torn lateral meniscus.  I had arthroscopic surgery in December of 2008. The surgeon found that I had a discoid lateral meniscus, removed the tear and trimmed the remaining cartilage to the proper "C" shape.  He told me that except for the tear and the discoid meniscus, everything was in great shape and healthy.  Well, it is 10 months later, in which I did 6 months of P.T., but my knee never healed and in fact the pain has spread to other parts of my knee and my knee swells very easily when I do anything (upright, sitting, sleeping).  The MRI shows that my lateral meniscus is torn again and x-rays show I have osteoarthritis.  One of the orthopedic surgeons I saw suggested trying Synvisc injections before resorting to surgery, especially since the surgery will involve removing the rest of my lateral meniscus which will in turn worsen the osteoarthritis.
Before I went to any orthopedic surgeons, I was trying acupuncture (I've had 4 or 5 sessions already and they've helped with my stiffness and range of motion).
Now I am not sure what to do.  Has anyone used acupuncture successfully to eliminate the pain from osteoarthritis?  Does anyone know which treatment has had more success treating the pain of osteoarthritis, acupuncture or synvisc injections?
Any help is appreciated.

[Kneecap]

Thank you very much for your response.  It was most helpful to me.
I do realize that both Synvisc and acupuncture will only give me pain
relief and not solve the primary problem, but I could use that pain relief
right now.  It will perhaps enable me to be more active in areas that I
have avoided because of the pain.  Most of all it will give me time to
decide what is the best course of action for resolving the problem.
Again, I really appreciate your responding to my post.

[Dr Vinod]

Hello,

I would tell you that both forms of treatment will not solve the primary problem but would give relief from pain.
For your information synvisc is considered a treatment or therapy, not a drug. You can take one injection and if the pain subsides and gives relief you can complete the course and if this works then this will give you relief at least for 6 months.
Synvisc injections are prescribed for once a week, 7 days apart, over a 15 day period, for a total of three injections.
Synvisc is an elastic and viscous substance made from hyaluronidase which is found in normal joint fluid.
The most common form of arthritis is caused by the breakdown of cartilage in one or more joints. Cartilage acts as a cushion between the bones of joints. When there is cartilage loss, a joint can become bone-on-bone, which is very painful for the patient.
Treatment options for osteoarthritis focus on pain relief and restoring function to the affected joint.

Physical treatments should be attempted wherever possible like weight reduction, exercise, supports, heat and rest. Medications of all forms can be tried like topical, oral, or injectable medications to relieve pain and inflammation .You can try both acupuncture and also synvisc injections before considering surgical treatments like arthroscopy or joint replacement.

Take a second opinion and discuss with an expert orthopedician specialized in knee surgery.

Take care!