Diagnosis and Management of Osteoarthritis with Hyaluronic Acid

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) of the genu joint is a degenerative disease of the genu joint, which due to functional limitations leads to deterioration of the quality of life of these patients. In many cases, surgical therapy prosthesis of articular surfaces represents the gold standard of treatment for these patients. AIM: In this study, it is proposed to evaluate the effectiveness of hyaluronic acid (HA) injected under the direction of Echo (ultrasound) in the genu articulation accompanied by a rehabilitation program. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen patients with knee OA were studied. According to the Kellgren-Lawrence radiological classification, Grade II-III arthrosis does not qualify for surgical treatment. Patients underwent intra-articular injection with HA, under ultrasound guidance, and after 6 days continued with rehabilitative treatment aimed at combating the patient’s analgesic posture, recovery of muscle traction participating in genu joint movement, decompression maneuvers, and decompaction in monopodial load. Patients were evaluated at the beginning and after 3 months. RESULTS: In the evaluation of patients at the beginning and after 3 months, a reduction in> 60% of the pain was found, and the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis test in 40% of patients after the first intra-articular injection. No significant side effects were observed during infiltrative procedures. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms the effectiveness of the combined treatment of the rehabilitation program and intra-articular therapy under the guidance of Echos, in patients suffering from knee OA, significantly reducing pain and recovery of functional capacity.