The long-term effect of intra-articular hyaluronic acid on pain and functional status in knee osteoarthritis (one year follow-up)

Abstract

Intra-articular hyaluronic acid injection has a positive effect on pain and functional status of knee osteoarthritis. In this study we examined the long-term effect of sodium hyaluronate (Orthovisc) injection therapy in 81 patients who were followed up for one year. Orthovisc was injected once a week for 3 weeks. The patients with grade 4 osteoarthritis according to Kellgren–Lawrence were excluded. Visual Analog Scale and Lequesne algofunctional index were evaluated at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. 81 patients were assessed at the 1^st month, 80 at the 3^rd month, 55 at the 6^th month and 38 at the 12^th month. Of all the patients 38 (69%) responded well to the therapy at six months and 28 patients (34.5%) at one year. Visual Analog Scale and Lequesne score decreased significantly after the injection (p < 0.01). The most relevant decrease was seen at the 3^rd month. Age, gender, duration of osteoarthritis and body mass index did not affect the results. Patients with medial compartment osteoarthritis and with grade 1 and grade 2 osteoarthritis responded significantly better to the therapy.

Keywords:

• Hyaluronic acid
• knee osteoarthritis
• intra-articular therapy.