Comparative, double-blind, controlled study of intra-articular hyaluronic acid (Hyalubrix®) injections versus local anesthetic in osteoarthritis of the hip

INTRODUCTION Comparison of intra-articular bacterial-derived hyaluronic acid (Hyalubrix) (HA) with local analgesia (mepivacaine) for osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip. METHODS A pilot prospective, double-blind, 6-month randomized trial of 42 patients with hip OA. HA or mepivacaine was administered twice (once a month) under ultrasound guidance. Efficacy measurements included the Lequesne's algofunctional index, a visual analog scale for pain, concomitant use of analgesia, patient and physician global measurement, and safety. RESULTS Patients in the HA group exhibited a significantly reduced Lequesne's algofunctional index 3 and 6 months after treatment (P < 0.001) and significantly reduced visual analog scale pain scores 3 and 6 months after treatment (P < 0.05) compared with the local anesthetic group. All primary and secondary measures were significantly improved versus baseline, but other than the above were not different from each other at 3 or 6 months. Adverse effects were minimal. CONCLUSIONS This comparative study suggests a beneficial effect and safety of intra-articular HA in the management of hip OA. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN39397064.