Ultrasound-guided intra-articular injections of hyaluronic acid (viscosupplementation) in the treatment of symptomatic hip osteoarthritis: Clinic results at 18 month

Abstract

This study was aimed at investigating the safety and duration of benefit after the treatment of hip symptomatic osteoarthritis (OA) patients (pts) by US-guided intra-articular injections of hyaluronic acid (Jointex). 133 pts whit OA (graded 2–3 according the Kellgren-Lawrence score) was treated with US-guided intra-articular injection (USIAi) of 4ml of Jointex (sodic hyaluronan, molecular weight 800–1200 kDalton) repeatable after 3–6 month.Pts were esamined supine by anterior parasagittal approach, 3,5MHz convex trasducer whith sterilized biopsy guide. Treatment efficacy was assessed by Lequesne index, monthly non-steroidal anti-infiammatory drug (NSAID) intake, visual analogue scale (VAS) pain measurement, global patient assessment and global physician assessment; all these scores were recorded at baseline and, then, at visit 3,6,9,12,18 months after enrolment. All adverse events were reported.