Abstract: Objective: To evaluate efficacy and safety of intra-articular hylan G-F 20 injection in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
Material and methods: In this prospective study, pain relief in adult patients with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis treated with repeat injection of intra-articular hylan G-F 20 (6 ml) was assessed by visual analoge scale (VAS). Difference in pain relief at six months and one year of treatment was measured. Change in the pattern of analgesic use and type of medications used for pain relief were recorded.
Results: Twenty four patients (mean age 56.5 years; 45.83% male) were included. VAS score reduced significantly from 70.42+8.06 at baseline to 22.92+6.24 after six months (p<0.05) and 36.67+8.16 after 12 months (p<0.05). At baseline, 21 (87.50%) patients required two tablets of analgesics daily. After six months of treatment 12 (50%) patients did not require any oral analgesics. After one year of treatment number of patients taking two to three tablets per week were (29.17%). After the mean period of 14.21 (+1.72) years repeat injection was required.
Conclusion: Six ml intraarticular hylan G-F 20 provides effective pain relief in patients with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis for slightly over one year and reduces requirement of analgesics.
