[The application of sodium hyaluronate in joint diseases].
OBJECTIVE
To review the physiological function of sodium hyaluronate in joints and its clinical applications.


METHODS
Many literatures were reviewed and analysed on therapeutic mechanism and the application foreground of sodium hyaluronate.


RESULTS
Extrinsic sodium hyaluronate plays an important role in improving synovial fluid and protecting cartilages as well as suppressing inflammation, so it is used in the treatment of joint diseases such as knee osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or temporomandibular osteoarthritis.


CONCLUSIONS
Sodium hyaluronate possesses a good applied prospect in joint diseases.
Ling
Pei-xue
PX
Shandong Institute of Biopharmaceutical, Jinan Shandong, P. R. China 250014.
Liang
Hong
H
He
Yan-li
YL
Zhang
Tian-min
TM
D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000502:physiology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D020370:Osteoarthritis, Knee / Q000188:drug therapy*
D006820:Hyaluronic Acid