Hyaluronic acid in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee

100 patients with persistent mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee were randomized to receive intra-articular injections of either sodium hyaluronate (Hyalgan) or saline placebo. The purpose of this study was to compare pain and function, primarily, as well as patient global assessment, patient satisfaction and development of adverse effects between groups. Results of the primary end points demonstrated significant lower pain in the HA group over 6 month, and better functional outcome over 2 month follow-up, but not 6 month follow-up. Incidence of adverse events was similar between groups, though two sever adverse events in the HA group were considered related to treatment, while no adverse events in the placebo group were deemed related to treatment.