Intra-Articular Hyaluronic Acid in the Management of Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common chronic joint disease in the world. Intra-articular hyaluronic acid (HA) managements have been pervading increasingly in the OA treatment. But many physicians have still plenty of questions about this method. In this article, intra-articular HA management in OA treatment was reviewed in the light of clinic investigations. Actually there are many researches about this subject. Pain and functional recovery rank is 1b evidence level with HA management in knee OA according to evidence-based medicine methodology. HA is recommended in the knee OA treatment in a lot of guidelines published in USA and Europe. First and the most common application area is knee joint. Carrying out for other joints are hopeful but we need more quality studies about this topic. Although there are opposite point of views, many in-vitro studies are constructive and, effectiveness of HA managements beyond the placebo was shown with in-vivo controlled clinic studies. To state whether the treatment is effective or not, application must be done on patients chosen properly and findings must be evaluated objectively. Pseudoseptic reaction is the most seen side effect. This local effect is temporary and in general it is relation with the injection technique.
Keywords : Hyaluronic acid, osteoarthritis