Is there a place for intra-articular hyaluronate in osteoarthritis of the knee?
Viscosupplementation refers to the intra-articular injection of hyaluronic acid (HA) as a hyaluronate to relieve pain and improve function, usually in patients with knee OA. HA is the major constituent of a 1-2-micron layer on the surface of articular cartilage as well as a major constituent of synovial fluid (SF). Solutions of HA can act as lubricants when movements are slow and as shock absorbers when movements are fast. In arthritis, the molecular weight of HA is reduced, and so are its properties. Viscosupplementation has been advocated as a way of reversing this, but intra-articular HA has other properties, such as an anti-inflammatory effect, which may also contribute to any therapeutic effect. There is a large placebo effect from intra-articular injections, and the benefits of intra-articular glucocorticoids may be only slightly better than this effect. In only one randomised, placebo-controlled trial was the difference in response significant. Studies of intra-articular HA also
Related Questions
- I work at a senior citizen center with older adults who have knee and hip osteoarthritis. Is there any truth to the idea that people with a higher education level have milder arthritis disease?
- Is there an increased risk of knee osteoarthritis among farmers?
- What causes Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee?
