title: Hyaluronic acid as a treatment for ankle osteoarthritis.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, No 386, Ta-Chung 1st Road, Kaohsiung 813, Taiwan. sfsun.tw@yahoo.com.tw
authors.forename: Shu-Fen
authors.initials: SF
authors.lastname: Sun
authors.forename: Yi-Jiun
authors.initials: YJ
authors.lastname: Chou
authors.forename: Chien-Wei
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Hsu
authors.forename: Wen-Ling
authors.initials: WL
authors.lastname: Chen