The effect of intra-articular hyaluronic acid injection on clinical function among knee osteoarthritis patients over one year

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative musculoskeletal disorder that significantly impacts quality of life. One controversial treatment is intra-articular hyaluronic acid (HA) injection, which is reported to exert beneficial effects, although results vary. This study aimed to analyze the impact of intra-articular HA on clinical function among knee osteoarthritis patients. METHODS: This experimental study used a consecutive sampling strategy with pre- and post-test control groups. The patients were assessed with mild to severe primary knee OA (Kellgren-Lawrence grade 2-4) using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score; clinical improvement was evaluated 3, 6, and 12 months following therapy. RESULTS: A total of 35 patients were included, with a mean age of 59.77 +/- 8.196 years. Most were female (74.3%). The 51-55 years age group predominated the samples. A significant difference in KOOS score was found between the pre- and post-intervention periods (P<0.001). Significant improvement occurred in pain, OA symptoms, daily activity and sports ability, and quality of life (P<0.001) after intra-articular HA injection compared to pre-intervention scores. CONCLUSIONS: Intra-articular HA injection appears to be a beneficial therapy to reduce OA symptoms and improve patients' functionality.