HA is naturally occurring compound in many tissues and body fluids.
It is present in large quantities in synovial fluid.
Its quantity decreases with age and with progression of joint diseases like osteoarthritis.
Studies have confirmed the beneficial effect of hyaluronic acid supplementation in osteoarthritis. Although, it does not lead to the regeneration of joint surfaces, however, it contributes to the reduction of inflammation in osteoarthritis and better nutrition of the remaining articular cartilage.
Patients who has intraarticular injection of HA experience less pain and have a reduced need for analgesics.
Intra articular HA injection shows a low risk of local and systemic side effects. Although, some cases of local inflammation have been seen which respond to short term conservative treatment.
Many commercially available injections are: Synvisc-one, halonix one, hyalgan, hynidase etc.
