Study: Osteoarthritis Treatments Produce Similar Results

Injections of intraarticular hylan GF-20 (Synvisc) and corticosteroids produced similar results when used to treat osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee, according to a study presented Feb. 6th at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons in New Orleans.

Researchers followed 100 patients with OA of the knee for six months who either received one course of three injections of hylan or a single injection of corticosteroids.

The progress of patients was measured at three and six months using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), the Modified Knee Society Score (KSS) and a visual-analog pain scale (VAS).

No significant differences in WOMAC, KSS or VAS results were found between the two groups, according to the researchers.

Because women responded significantly worse than men to both treatments, the researchers said such gender-related differences warrant further investigation.

Synvisc treatments are 100 times more expensive than corticosteroid – $500 compared to $5.

Other sources: American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons