title: Viscosupplementation for osteoarthritis.
abstract: Viscosupplementation therapy can restore the elastic and viscous properties of synovial fluid and thus recreate the intra-articular joint homeostasis that is disrupted in the degenerative joint. Hyaluronan (hyaluronic acid) products have been developed and used for viscosupplementation therapy in osteoarthritis. Viscosupplementation treatments using these products are well tolerated. Because viscosupplementation therapy is based on the concept of replenishing a normal physiological component of synovial fluid and cartilaginous tissue, exogenous administration of hyaluronic acid has the potential to have few side effects or local or systemic reactions. Viscosupplementation represents an alternative treatment for patients with osteoarthritis in which oral medications and/or surgery are not options or are ineffective.
authors.affiliation: Musculoskeletal Research Center, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hospital for Joint Diseases Orthopaedic Institute, New York, New York, USA.
authors.forename: K E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Wright
authors.forename: S G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Maurer
authors.forename: P E
authors.initials: PE
authors.lastname: Di Cesare
mesh_terms: D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; D004548:Elasticity; D006706:Homeostasis; D006801:Humans; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007270:Injections, Intra-Articular; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D012212:Rheology; D013582:Synovial Fluid / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014783:Viscosity
chemical_list: D006820:Hyaluronic Acid