Comparison of the Effects of Different Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid Application in Knee Osteoarthritis

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different molecular weight (MW) hyaluronic acid (HA) application on pain and functional parameters in knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: This study was designed as retrospectively. Hospital records of the patients who received intraarticular HA injection therapy in our center were screened. The patients were divided into 3 categories according to the MW of the preparates as the follows; Group 1: 0,6-1,2 Milion Da of MW (N=26); Group 2: 1,1- 2,2 Million Da of MW (N=25); and Group 3: 1,7-2,1 Million Da of MW (N=25). All patients were assessed using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) before the treatment and one month after the injection. Results: A total of 76 patients (61 females, 15 males) with a mean age of 62,1 years (minimum-maximum: 50-70 years) were included. VAS and WOMAC scores did improve significantly in all groups (all for p