Hyaluronic acid as a treatment for ankle osteoarthritis.
Viscosupplementation refers to the concept of synovial fluid replacement with intra-articular injections of hyaluronic acid (HA) for the relief of pain associated with osteoarthritis (OA). Intra-articular viscosupplementation was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1997. It is currently indicated only for the treatment of pain associated with knee OA. However, OA can occur in several of the weight-bearing joints of the foot and ankle. Ankle OA produces chronic disability that directly impacts the quality of life. There is only limited published literature relating to the use of HA in the ankle. This paper will review the authors' experience, indications, clinical outcomes, and complications of viscosupplementation therapy in patients with ankle OA.
Sun
Shu-Fen
SF
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, No 386, Ta-Chung 1st Road, Kaohsiung 813, Taiwan. sfsun.tw@yahoo.com.tw
Chou
Yi-Jiun
YJ
Hsu
Chien-Wei
CW
Chen
Wen-Ling
WL