Mind term effects of a single injection versus three injections of hyaluronic acid in patients with rhizarthrosis

Abstract

Background. To compare the effects of a single intra-articular injection of low molecular weight hyaluronic acid (LMWHA) versus 3 injections of the same LMWHA in patients affected by rhizarthrosis. Methods. 40 patients received ultrasound (US) guided injections of LMW HA: Group A (20 patients) injections with 1 ml HA; Group B (20 patients) once a week for 3 times injections of 1 ml HA. Both groups were examined at baseline, at 1, 3 and 6 months follow-up using VAS (Visual Analogue Scale), Kapandji Thumb Opposition Test, DASH Score (func-tional assessment questionnaire) and DASH Work. Results. Patients treated with a single HA injection had a statistically significant improvement (p<0.05) of the VAS at 1-and 3-months follow-up compared to baseline, and of Kapandji thumb opposition test only at 6 months compared to baseline. Patients received 3 HA injections shown a statistically significant improvement (p< 0.05) of the VAS, DASH score, DASH-work and Kapandji thumb opposition test at 1, 3-and 6-months follow-up compared to baseline. The intergroup analysis did not underline any significant differences between the two groups at all follow-up. Conclusions. The intra-articular HA injections allowed good effects in patients suffering from rhizarthrosis. To have a low term pain relief a single injection can be used. The 3 injections protocol is more indicated if we want to obtain also a functional improvement.