Long-term efficacy and safety of intra-articular sodium hyaluronate (Hyalgan) in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.

摘要: Objective This prospective cohort study evaluated the long-term efficacy and safety of 5 weekly intra-articular (i.a.) injections sodium hyaluronate (Hyalgan) in 76 patients (92 knees) with moderate to severe osteoarthritis (OA) knee whose pain was not controlled by conventional measures. Results Thirteen had a repeat treatment course. A total 72% achieved > 50% improvement (defined physical examination assessment using visual analog scale [VAS]) for 1 year or longer; 9% failed achieve any period time. The duration response exceeded 2 years some patients. Total replacement surgery avoided significantly delayed 15 19 who were considering prior injections. Ten (67%) knees improved after Local adverse events minor infrequent. Conclusion Intra-articular an effective safe difficult-to-treat OA knee.