SLR - May 2010 - Kelsey L. Harvey
Reference: Sun, S., Chou, Y., Hsu, C., Chen, W. (2009). Hyaluronic acid as a treatment for ankle osteoarthritis. Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine, 2, 78-82.
Scientific Literature Review
Reviewed by: Kelsey L. Harvey, DPM
Residency Program: St. John Hospital and Medical Center
Podiatric Relevance:
This study provides an alternative treatment option for patients suffering from ankle osteoarthritis that have exhausted all non-surgical treatment options and either do not desire surgery or are poor surgical candidates.
Methods:
The study design consisted of a prospective, controlled study in patients with unilateral ankle osteoarthritis. The injection of hyaluronic acid was given from an anteromedial approach, between the anterior border of the medial malleolus and the medial border of the tibialis anterior tendon. Patients discouraged from excessive weight-bearing and strenuous activity for 48 hours following injection.
Results:
It was determined that a treatment course of 5 weekly intra-articular injections of sodium hyaluronate was safe and efficacious in the areas of pain and ankle function. Positive effects of the injection were noted by patients approximately one week status post the fifth injection and could last up to six months. Mild injection-site pain and swelling were the most common adverse effects.
Conclusions:
Ankle joint supplementation with hyaluronic acid injections may be a safe and effective method in the treatment of ankle osteoarthritis in the non-surgical population.