Cross-linked Hyaluronic Acid in Knee Osteoarthritis

Istanbul Medipol University Hospital88 enrolled

Overview

Knee Osteoarthritis (Knee OA) leads to pain and loss of function, especially in recreational athletes. While hyaluronic acid (HA) injections are a common part of conservative treatment, comparative data on the efficacy of straight-chain (ST-HA) versus cross-linked (CL-HA) formulations remain limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the 6-month efficacy of a single dose of CL-HA versus two doses of ST-HA regarding pain, stiffness, and joint function in recreational athletes aged 50-70 with Kellgren-Lawrence grade 2-3 Knee OA refractory to pharmacological treatment.

This retrospective observational study included 88 recreational athletes (CL-HA: n=44, ST-HA: n=44). All participants received either a single dose of CL-HA or two doses of ST-HA administered 4 weeks apart. Patients were comparatively evaluated pre-treatment and at 1, 3, and 6 months post-treatment using the WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index) and VAS scores.

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Enrollment

Conditions

Knee Osteoarthritis (Knee OA)

Interventions

Straight-bonded hyaluronic acidDRUG

Straight-bonded HA injection was applied in 2 doses, 4 weeks apart.

cross-linked hyaluronic acidDRUG

Cross-linked HA was applied as a single dose to the knee via the anterolateral approach.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 50 YearsMax age: 70 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: Inclusion criteria: Recreational athletes aged 50-70 years; participants must not have received any injections or undergone physical therapy or rehabilitation in the last 3 months; and symptomatic cases of Kellgren-Lawrence stage 2-3 knee osteoarthritis and failure of pharmacological treatment. Exclusion Criteria: Inflammatory disease, active rheumatic disease, malignancy, bleeding diathesis, peripheral neuropathy, BMI \>30, grade 4 gonarthrosis, regular NSAID use, previous knee surgery, local infection at the procedure site, corticosteroid injection at the procedure site within the last 3 months, systemic corticosteroid use within the last 2 weeks, immunosuppressant use or immunodeficiency within the last 6 weeks, and any local or systemic osteoarthritis-related treatments (therapeutic exercises, physical therapy, other injections, NSAIDs, etc.) within the last 6 months.

Locations (1)

Istanbul Medipol University

Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Patients were comparatively evaluated pre-treatment and at 1, 3, and 6 months post-treatment using the WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index) score.

Minimal value is 0, while maximum value is 96.

Time frame: Patients were comparatively evaluated pre-treatment and at 1, 3, and 6 months post-treatment

Secondary Outcomes

Patients were comparatively evaluated pre-treatment and at 1, 3, and 6 months post-treatment using the VAS score.

Minimal value is 0, while maximum value is 10.

Time frame: Patients were comparatively evaluated pre-treatment and at 1, 3, and 6 months post-treatment

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.