Large glycosaminoglycan composed of disaccharides of glucoronic acid and N-acetylglucosamine that occurs naturally in synovial fluid.
In osteoarthritis the viscoelasticity of synovial fluid is reduced, in part due to the decreases in the molecular weight in concentration of endogenous hyaluronic acid.
When injected intra-articularly has a small benefit when compared to placebo for knee osteoarthritis.
Known as artificial joint fluid injections.
Similar composition to human synovial fluid.
Acts as a lubricant for the knee ad decrease swelling or irritation.
Does not treat underlying joint abnormalities.
Hyaluronic acid preparations injected into the joint space or claim to increase the viscoelasticity of synovial fluid and possibly prevent degradation of articular cartilage.
A meta-analysis of 14 double blind sham-controlled trials with at least 60 patients in each trial did not show clinically relevant differences in outcomes between hyaluronic acid treatment and placebo.