Study: Hyaluronic Acid Injections Little Help for Knee Osteoarthritis

Injections of hyaluronic acid to treat osteoarthritic knees have only a small effect when compared to a placebo, according to a study reported in the December 18 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Hyaluronic acid is a natural lubricant found in the joints that declines with age. The lack of such fluid can cause progressive wear and tear leading to cartilage destruction and osteoarthritis.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved hyaluronic acid for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis, but whether it is effective or not is controversial, according to the researchers.

After evaluating data from 22 previously conducted clinical trials in which participants received injections of hyaluronic acid for their knee osteoarthritis, Boston University researchers concluded that the injections had only a small effect when compared to a placebo.

The researchers also found that the highest-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid may be more effective in treating knee osteoarthritis than lower-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid.

Other sources: Journal of the American Medical Association 2003;290:3115-3121