The effect of hyaluronan (HA) on the early repair process of the anterior cruciate ligament

The early effect of high molecular weight hyaluronan (hyaluronic acid) on anterior cruciate ligament healing: an experimental study in rabbits.

Article specifications

This clinical study was published in 1990 in Journal of J Orthop Res. (IF 2009: 5.22) by American specialists. The purpose of this study was to assess, morphologically and biochemically, the effect of hyaluronan (HA) on the early repair process of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). A single dose of HA (MW of 3.6 x 10(6] was injected in one knee and saline in the contralateral knee.

 

Result

HA-treated ligaments exhibited a more pronounced repair, with an increased angiogenesis and less inflammatory response. Biochemical analysis demonstrated a mean higher value of type III collagen in the HA-treated injured ACL than in saline-treated injured ACL. This increased synthesis of type III collagen in the HA-treated injured ACL was statistically higher when compared to the saline-treated injured ACL.