Intra-articular hyaluronic acid is superior to steroids in knee osteoarthritis: A comparative, randomized study

BackgroundTo compare the short and mid-term results of intraarticular triamcinolone hexacetonide and hyaluronic acid (HA) in knee osteoarthritis.MethodsA prospective randomized study including 40 patients in steroid and 42 patients in HA group. The outcome was evaluated with Knee Society Score (KSS) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS).ResultOn KSS function and VAS score, there was no difference till four weeks. On KSS pain there was no difference till 12 weeks (P > 0.05) after that score of steroid group deteriorated rapidly. At six months HA was significantly better than a steroid.ConclusionThe HA seems to be better for pain relief and functionality in the short and mid-term periods.