Intra-articular injections of sodium hyaluronate (Hyalgan®) in osteoarthritis of the knee.

Intra-articular injections of sodium hyaluronate (Hyalgan^®) in osteoarthritis of the knee. A randomized, controlled, double-blind, multicenter trial in the Asian population.

Article specifications

This clinical trial was published in 2011 in journal of BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders (IF2016: 2.11) by Taiwani orthopedics. In this study the efficacy and tolerability of 500-730 kDa sodium hyaluronate (Hyalgan^®) for treatment of osteoarthritis were evaluated. 200  patients with mild to moderate OA of the knee were randomized to receive five weekly intra-articular injections of sodium hyaluronate or placebo. The primary efficacy outcome was the change from baseline to Week 25 in patients’ evaluation of pain using a 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS) during the 50-foot walking test. Additional outcomes included Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) scores, time on the 50-foot walking test, patient’s and investigator’s subjective assessment of effectiveness, acetaminophen consumption, and the amounts of synovial fluid.

 

Results

The results of the study showed that intra-articular administration of Hyalgan^® is safe and can improve joint function and ameliorate pain in Asian patients with knee osteoarthritis.