Intra-Articular Hyaluronic Acid Injection for Osteoarthritis Treatment: A Literature Review

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease involving the cartilage and its surrounding tissues as the result of imbalance between breakdown and repair of articular cartilage. Primary symptoms include joint pain, stiffness and limitation of movement. Disease progression is usually slow but can lead to joint failure with pain and deformity. Risk factors include genetic predisposition, mechanical overload, trauma, overuse, female, and the age greater than60 years old. It is commonly treated with NSAIDs, however, their use is limited because of serious adverse effects. To improve biomechanical function, viscosupplementation is widely used for symptomatic osteoarthritis by acting as a lubricant and shock absorber.