Effects of Intra-Articular Injections of Sodium Hyaluronate (Orthovisc) and Betamethasone on Osteoarthritis of the Knee

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and tolerability of intra-articular injections of 20 mg of Sodium Hyaluronate and 3 mg- betamethasone in an open randomized trial. 40 patients with gonarthritis were randomly allocated in 2 different groups of 20 people. All subjects included in the groups were female with mean age of 57.84 57.84±5.66 and 58.26±6.05 years. Intra-articular injections were administered once a week for three weeks. All patients suffering from inflammatory knee osteoarthritis were examined prior to and after the study. Efficacy rates of the two treatment methods during subsequent examinations in the 3(rd) and 15(th) weeks were noted. WOMAC assessment, Visual Analogue Scale, clinical severity and radiological severity according to Kellgren Lawrance index were also assessed in both groups. Both medications were well tolerated with no complications. Results in the 3(rd) week were in favour of betamethasone group. However there were clinically significant difference in favour of Sodium Hyaluronate (Orhovisc) treatment group on the 15(th) week. According to results of 15 week follow-up study comparing the efficacy and tolerability rates between Sodium Hyaluronate and Betamethasone, Hyaluronate injection could be more effective in osteoarthritis on the long term basis.