Intra-articular injection of hyaluronic acid (MW 1,500–2,000 kDa; HyalOne®) in symptomatic osteoarthritis of the hip: a prospective cohort study

Introduction

Clinical trials have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of hyaluronic acid-based products for the treatment of hip osteoarthritis, but data from observational studies of normal medical practice are scarce. This study investigated the long-term efficacy and tolerability of ultrasound-guided intra-articular sodium hyaluronate (MW 1,500–2,000 kDa; Hyalone^®) injections in daily clinical practice.

Methods

In this observational, cohort study of patients with hip osteoarthritis, Hyalone^® was administered under the ultrasound guidance, every 6 months, with the possibility of an additional injection at the intervening 3-month intervals on clinical request. Efficacy measurements included the Lequesne algofunctional index, self-reported pain via the visual analogue scale (VAS), the concomitant use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and safety. The patients were followed up for 18 months after the first intra-articular injection.

Results

Data from 120 patients were collected. During the study, a statistically significant reduction in algofunctional indexes was demonstrated at 3 months after study product injection, while at 12 months 80% of the patients achieved a decrease of at least 30% in symptoms. These results were maintained over time through cyclical and personalized repetition of ultrasound guided injections, at least one injection every 6 months.

Conclusions

The study treatment reduced pain and improved mobility in osteoarthritis of the hip. These results in daily clinical practice demonstrate a beneficial effect and the safety of the study product and suggest adding intra-articular injections of HyalOne^® to the armamentarium of conservative management of symptomatic hip osteoarthritis.