Outcome of hyaluronic acid injection in treatment of symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee

Abstract

Osteoarthritis is a common pathological condition affecting knee joint. Long term use of analgesics in osteoarthritis is not acceptable by many patients. The purpose of this study is to find out the efficacy of three doses of intra articular Hyaluronic acid injection in treatment of Osteoarthritis of knee which is an easy procedure and can be carried out on an OPD basis. 37 Patients (54 Knees) with duration of symptoms more than 12 months were included in the study. Patients with associated Diabetes Mellitus, local infection, ligament injury, Crystalline arthropathy were excluded. Pre and post procedure VAS score wae assessed. Patients were followed up 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 3 months, 6 months after the injection. At 1st week 24.3%, at 2nd weeks 51.3%, at 3rd weeks 86.4% and at 3rd months and 6th months 94.5% patients had significant reduction in pain and improvement in VAS score.