Efficacy of a single intra-articular injection of ultra-high molecular weight hyaluronic acid for hip osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled study

Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol. 2018 Jul;28(5):915-922. doi: 10.1007/s00590-017-2083-9. Epub 2017 Nov 21.

Abstract

Background: Viscosupplementation with hyaluronic acid (HA) is increasingly used for the treatment of hip osteoarthritis (OA). The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of intra-articular injections of an ultra-high molecular weight viscosupplement (UHMW-HA, Fermathron S) with a medium molecular weight hyaluronan (MMW-HA, Hyalubrix 60) in hip OA.

Methods: Fifty-four patients with hip OA grade 3 on the Kellgren/Lawrence scale were randomized. All infiltrations were performed under ultrasound guidance. Evaluation was performed preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after infiltration. Patients were clinically evaluated using Lequesne index, VAS and WOMAC score.

Results: Fifty patients, including 27 in the MMW-HA group and 23 in the UHMW-HA group, completed the follow-up. No significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of VAS, WOMAC or Lequesne index preoperatively or at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after viscosupplementation. A stratified analysis was performed to study the development over time of Lequesne index of patients aged ≤ 55 years, > 55 and, ≤ 70 years and > 70 years and Lequesne index was different between the three age-stratified subgroups only in the MMW-HA group. The subgroup of older patients showed a higher Lequesne index than the subgroups of younger patients (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: UHMW-HA is a safe and effective treatment for hip osteoarthritis. A single dose of UHMW-HA was as effective as two doses of MMW-HA resulting in similar reductions of pain and disability.

Study design: Multicenter, independent, prospective, randomized controlled trial with level of evidence 1.

Keywords: Biology of cartilage; Hip osteoarthritis; Hyaluronic acid; Randomized clinical trial; Regenerative medicine.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyaluronic Acid / administration & dosage*
  • Injections, Intra-Articular
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Osteoarthritis, Hip / drug therapy*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Viscosupplements / administration & dosage*

Substances

  • Viscosupplements
  • Hyaluronic Acid