COMPARATIVE STUDY OF INTRA-ARTICULAR HYALURONIC ACID AND INTRA-ARTICULAR TRIAMCINOLONE HEXACETONIDE IN PRIMARY OSTEOARTHRITIS OF KNEE

Abstract

BACKGROUND Intra-articular ( IA) corticosteroid injection has an established therapeutic role, but the effect is short lasting. IA Hyaluronic acid ( HA) is considered as a therapeutic alternative in patients who have failed non-pharmacologic and analgesic treatment. Aim of the study is to compare the efficacy and safety of IA HA with Triamcinolone hexacetonide ( THA) in treatment of primary osteoarthritis ( OA) knee. MATERIALS AND METHODS A descriptive cross-sectional study was done among 30 patients. One group (n=15) received IA THA 20 mg/2 mL on day 0 and other group (n=15) received IA HA 20 mg/2 mL on day 0, 7 & 14 under aseptic precautions. The efficacy assessment using KGMC Score for pain, disability and functional impairment was done in 0-100 mm scale. Side effects if any were noted. RESULTS The present study revealed IA THA has superior short-term efficacy compared to IA HA. But HA has got long term superior efficacy. CONCLUSION OA being a chronic disease process, we need a drug which has a long lasting effect. Additive effect of HA & THA can be considered for better efficacy.