Impact of Intra-articular Infusion of Hyaluronic Acid on Gait Pattern of Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis in Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Background: Intra-articular hyaluronic acid (IAHA) injection is one of the treatments of knee osteoarthritis (KO) that increase synovial fluid elasticity and viscosity, therefore decrease pain and increase function. However, its effect on the patient’s gait is not clear objectively. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of IAHA injection on gait pattern in patients with KO.

Methods: After receiving informed consent of patients, the demographic questionnaire and the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) were filled by them. Knee range of motion (ROM) and gait pattern were measured by goniometer and Zebris gait analyzer made in Germany. IAHA injection was performed three times weekly for fifteen days. One week, one month, three months, and six months after the last injection, KOOS, the knee ROM, and gait were examined again.

Results: Stride length, stride time, cadence, gait velocity, quality of life (QOL), and knee ROM showed improvement after the injection (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Intra-articular infusion of hyaluronic acid (HA), by increasing the elasticity and viscosity of the fluid in the joint, leads to pain reduction and improvement in gait parameters and QOL in patients with KO.