NCT07241442

Cross-linked Hyaluronic Acid in Knee Osteoarthritis

Clinical Superiority of Cross-linked Hyaluronic Acid in Knee Osteoarthritis: Sustained Efficacy on Pain and Function

• Status: Completed
• Phase: —
• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 88 (actual)
• Sponsor: Istanbul Medipol University Hospital · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 50 Years – 70 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

Knee Osteoarthritis (Knee OA) leads to pain and loss of function, especially in recreational athletes. While hyaluronic acid (HA) injections are a common part of conservative treatment, comparative data on the efficacy of straight-chain (ST-HA) versus cross-linked (CL-HA) formulations remain limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the 6-month efficacy of a single dose of CL-HA versus two doses of ST-HA regarding pain, stiffness, and joint function in recreational athletes aged 50-70 with Kellgren-Lawrence grade 2-3 Knee OA refractory to pharmacological treatment.

Detailed description

This retrospective observational study included 88 recreational athletes (CL-HA: n=44, ST-HA: n=44). All participants received either a single dose of CL-HA or two doses of ST-HA administered 4 weeks apart. Patients were comparatively evaluated pre-treatment and at 1, 3, and 6 months post-treatment using the WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index) and VAS scores.

Conditions

• Knee Osteoarthritis (Knee OA)

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DRUG	Straight-bonded hyaluronic acid	Straight-bonded HA injection was applied in 2 doses, 4 weeks apart.
DRUG	cross-linked hyaluronic acid	Cross-linked HA was applied as a single dose to the knee via the anterolateral approach.

Timeline

• Start date: 2021-01-02
• Primary completion: 2024-12-31
• Completion: 2025-05-31
• First posted: 2025-11-21
• Last updated: 2026-02-27

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)