Evaluation of hyaluronic acid intra-articular injections in the treatment of primary and secondary osteoarthritis of the knee.

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis is one of the most common locomotor conditions and the knee is the second most frequently affected articulation. One of therapeutic methods is viscosupplementation involving intra-articular injections of hyaluronic acid preparations. The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical status and analyse selected biochemical blood parameters in patients with knee osteoarthritis after intra-articular injections of a hyaluronic acid preparation.

MATERIAL/METHODS: Blood was taken from 113 patients, 60 patients with primary and 53 patients with secondary osteoarthritis, who were administered intra-articular injections of a hyaluronic acid preparation into the affected knee, according to the schedule established in the study protocol. Concentration of lipid hydroperoxides in blood plasma was determined, along with that of malondialdehyde in erythrocytes. Plasma concentrations of ceruloplasmin, TAC, albumin, total bilirubin, and uric acid were also determined. Clinical assessment was performed using a modified HHS scale and the WOMAC questionnaire.

RESULTS: Intra-articular administration of a hyaluronic acid preparation significantly reduced pain in the knee and improved its functioning, regardless of the form of osteoarthritis. Not only clinical improvement was observed, but also beneficial changes in the blood antioxidant system.

CONCLUSIONS: Comparable clinical improvement was observed in both forms of osteoarthritis of the knee. It was also beneficial changes in blood antioxidant system, especially in the group with secondary osteoarthritis.