A PROSPECTIVE RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIAL TO COMPARE SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF INTRA ARTICULAR SYNTHETIC AND AVIAN HYALURONIC ACID INJECTIONS

Abstract

Aim: To see if there are any differences in pain relief and complications with intraarticular Knee injection of avian and synthetic Hyaluronic acid products.

Methodology: After following the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 115 patients [130 Knees] were randomly allocated two groups, receiving either synthetic or natural Hyaluronic acid injections. Patients were explained about the study and consent was sought. They were given Western Ontario and McMaster University [WOMAC] questionnaires to be filled before, 48 hours, 6 weeks and 3 months after the injections. They were examined at 3 and 6 months post injections.

Results: 110 of these patients promptly responded. Avian product was injected in 66 Knees and synthetic product in 58 Knees.

In the avian injection group of 66 Knees, 57 had pain relief at 3 months.

In the synthetic injection group of 58 Knees, 48 had pain relief at 3 months

No complications were noted in either of the groups.

Using Chi square test and with 95% confidence interval, synthetic injection has no significant difference with avian injections in pain relief at 3 months [p=0.724].

Conclusion: Synthetic injections are equally safe and effective and economical than natural ones. So, using synthetic products gives pain relief to the patients and will also decrease the financial burden on the organisation.