Potential of polynucleotide injections for knee osteoarthritis .
The promising potential of polynucleotide injections for knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review of literature and meta-analysis of randomized control trials.
J Exp Orthop. 2025 01-Sep:. 10.1002/jeo2.70428Five RCTs (two hundred eighty-one patients) were eligible for meta-analysis comparing polynucleotides with hyaluronic acid for intra-articular polynucleotide injections to treat knee osteoarthritis. The primary outcome of interest was pain, most commonly measured using the visual analogue scale. Secondary outcomes included functional outcome scores (Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and Knee Society Score (KSS)) and adverse events. Outcomes were assessed between one and four months for the primary meta-analysis, with selected studies reporting longer follow-up. Overall, the results of the study revealed significantly greater pain reduction with polynucleotides compared with hyaluronic acid at two months, with superior functional outcomes at similar time points. In conclusion, intra-articular polynucleotide injections appear to provide superior short-term pain relief and modest functional improvement compared with hyaluronic acid, with a comparable safety profile.
Unlock the Full ACE Report
You have access to 4 more FREE articles this month.
Click below to unlock and view this ACE Reports
Unlock Now
Critical appraisals of the latest, high-impact randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews in orthopaedics
Access to OrthoEvidence podcast content, including collaborations with the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, interviews with internationally recognized surgeons, and roundtable discussions on orthopaedic news and topics
Subscription to The Pulse, a twice-weekly evidence-based newsletter designed to help you make better clinical decisions
Exclusive access to original content articles, including in-house systematic reviews, and articles on health research methods and hot orthopaedic topics