Prospective randomized study comparing the medicoeconomic benefits of Hylan GF-20 vs. conventional treatment in knee osteoarthritis

506 patients with knee osteoarthritis and failed response to pharmacological intervention were randomized to receive either three weekly intra-articular injections of Hylan G-F 20 (Synvisc) or conventional therapy. The purpose of the study was to compare the clinical efficacy of the two treatment regimens over a span of 9 months, as well as to evaluate economic factors associated with Hylan G-F 20 treatment. The results indicated significant improvements in clinical outcomes in the patients receiving Hylan G-F 20 in comparison to conventional treatment. Both medical and total costs were similar between groups.