Viscosupplementation for Degenerative Joint Disease of the Ankle and Foot

ABSTRACT Intraarticular hyaluronans are used to treat pain associated with osteoarthritis. Many controlled clinical studies have demonstrated their efficacy for this indication in the knee. The rationale for hyaluronans is based on the observation that hyaluronic acid is an important component of the synovial fluid and acts to cushion and lubricate the joint. Although intraarticular hyaluronans are only Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for osteoarthritis of the knee, there are data to suggest that they are beneficial in the ankle and foot. The mechanism by which hyaluronans exhibit their beneficial effects seems to be multifactorial and biologically related.