An evaluation of role of intraarticular hyaluronic acid in treatment of osteoarthritis of knee

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the role of intraarticular hyaluronic acid in treatment of osteoarthritis of knee among the patients admitted in a north Indian hospital. Methods:This was a prospective study conducted on 80 patients attending the out patient department of the hospital with a diagnosis of osteoarthritis of one or both knees were enrolled in this study. All the patients were symptomatic for osteoarthritis of knee and did not respond adequately to conservative treatment for osteoarthritis. 3 patients were lost to follow-up. The results are finally presented on 96 knees of 77 patients who underwent series of 5 intraarticular injections of hyaluronic acid at weekly interval. Results:The mean age of patients was 59.13 ± 2.3 years. Duration of symptom ranged from 6 months to 5 years. Most of the knees (55.2%) had moderate grade of osteoarthritis. The pain at rest and joint tenderness were significantly (p=0.0001) lower among mild grade of osteoarthritis as compared to moderate and severe. There was significant effect of intraarticular myaluronic acid in decreasing VAS and joint tenderness from baseline to 6 month. Conclusion: Visco-supplementation with hyaluronicacid may be considered an alternative option to major surgical procedure in developing countries provided the injections are given before mechanical changes take place and patient complies with regular exercise, weight control and postural habits.