The Use of Hyaluronic Acid after Tendon Surgery and in Tendinopathies

The Use of Hyaluronic Acid after Tendon Surgery and in Tendinopathies

Article specifications

This review study was published in 2014 in Journal of BioMed Research International (IF 2017:2.583) by Italian specialists. The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on this topic, evaluating experimental and clinical trials. A search of English-language articles was performed using the key search terms “hyaluronic acid” or “viscosupplementation” combined with “tendon,” “tendinopathy,“ “adhesions,“ or “gliding,“ independently.

 

Result

Experimental research and pivotal clinical trials suggest that HA is effective in preventing adhesions after flexor tendons surgery. Different preparations and procedures are at present under study to define the best option. Promising results have been also observed in the treatment of tendinopathies. In general terms, the positive effect relies on the anti-inflammatory activity of HA, enhanced cell proliferation, and collagen deposition, besides the lubricating action on the sliding surface of the tendon. However, it must be underlined that in the majority of studies the drug was not injected inside the degenerated tendon, but nearby and/or into the articular space. It can be speculated that the modifications of the synovial fluid can exert a positive effect on the tendon itself, but it cannot be excluded that the clinical improvement may secondary to the positive action on osteoarthritis frequently associated.