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Viscosupplementation with hyaluronic acid in the treatment for cartilage lesions: a review of current evidence and future directions

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Abstract

Diseases involving the articular cartilage are one of the leading causes of physical impairment among the adult population. While surgical technique and advancement have allowed us effective means at treating these diseases, this is not without significant risk and morbidity. With a very solid safety profile, viscosupplementation with hyaluronic acid (HA) derivatives has become an excellent modality for treating diseased articular cartilage. Recent literature supports the use of HA not only in the management of the pain associated with osteoarthritis but also as a disease-modifying agent as well. Further studies have started to define exciting new roles for viscosupplementation in the treatment for acute injuries to the joint microenvironment.

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Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interests.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA

    Travis E. Clegg, David Caborn & Cyril Mauffrey

  2. Orthopedic Traumatology, Denver Health Medical Centre, 777 Bannock Street, Denver, CO, 80204, USA

    Cyril Mauffrey

Authors
  1. Travis E. Clegg
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  2. David Caborn
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  3. Cyril Mauffrey
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Correspondence to Cyril Mauffrey.

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Clegg, T.E., Caborn, D. & Mauffrey, C. Viscosupplementation with hyaluronic acid in the treatment for cartilage lesions: a review of current evidence and future directions. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol 23, 119–124 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-012-0940-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-012-0940-0

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