Intra-articular hyaluronic acid is superior to steroids in knee osteoarthritis: A comparative, randomized study.

BACKGROUND: To compare the short and mid-term results of intraarticular triamcinolone hexacetonide and hyaluronic acid (HA) in knee osteoarthritis.

METHODS: A prospective randomized study including 40 patients in steroid and 42 patients in HA group. The outcome was evaluated with Knee Society Score (KSS) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS).

RESULT: On KSS function and VAS score, there was no difference till four weeks. On KSS pain there was no difference till 12 weeks ( P  > 0.05) after that score of steroid group deteriorated rapidly. At six months HA was significantly better than a steroid.

CONCLUSION: The HA seems to be better for pain relief and functionality in the short and mid-term periods.