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Viscosupplementation for knee osteoarthritis: a focus on Hylan G-F 20

Authors Webb D , Naidoo P 

Received 18 May 2018

Accepted for publication 25 July 2018

Published 23 October 2018 Volume 2018:10 Pages 73—81

DOI https://doi.org/10.2147/ORR.S174649

Checked for plagiarism Yes

Review by Single anonymous peer review

Peer reviewer comments 2

Editor who approved publication: Professor Clark Hung



David Webb,1 Poobalan Naidoo2,3

1Pattacus Medical, Randburg, South Africa; 2Medical Affairs, Sanofi House, Midrand, South Africa; 3Department of Health Informatics, School of Health Professions, Rutgers, State University of New Jersey, NJ, USA

Abstract: Knee osteoarthritis is a chronic degenerative joint disease characterized by destruction of articular cartilage with resultant para-articular bone changes. It is a major cause of disability in older persons and is managed by surgical and nonsurgical interventions. Pharmacotherapy includes acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, and intra-articular steroids. Another treatment option is viscosupplementation with intra-articular injection of hyaluronan (HA). The full mechanism of action of exogenous HA is uncertain, but studies indicate that it may promote endogenous HA production, reduce inflammation, prevent degeneration of cartilage and promote cartilage regeneration. Clinically, HA may improve symptoms of osteoarthritis and delay time to total knee replacement surgery. However, clinical studies are heterogenous and of varying quality, and thus there is a need for more robust studies to determine the place of viscosupplementation in the management of knee osteoarthritis.

Keywords: knee osteoarthritis, viscosupplements, hylan, Hylan G-F 20

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