Evaluation of results of arthroscopic debridement and lavage with injection of hylan polymer in the management of osteoarthritis of knee

Objective: An evaluation of safety and efficacy of high molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HA) delivered at the time of arthroscopic debridement of the osteoarthritic knee. Methods: Thirty-four consecutive patients who met inclusion and exclusion criteria underwent arthroscopic debridement by a single surgeon and concomitant delivery of 6 ml/90 mg HA. These patients were evaluated preoperatively, at 3 months, 6 months and 9 months postoperatively. Evaluations consisted of WOMAC pain score and complications. Results: No complications occurred during this study. Pre-op average mean WOMAC pain score was 65.050 (n = 34) and 80.544 at 3 months (n = 34). Final average WOMAC pain score improved to 79.994 at six months (n = 34). No patients had deterioration of the WOMAC pain score. Conclusion: The results show that concomitant delivery of high molecular weight hyaluronan is safe when given at the time of arthroscopic debridement of the osteoarthritic knee. By delivering HA at the time of the arthroscopic debridement, there may be a decreased risk of joint infection and/or injection site pain. Furthermore, the combination of both procedures show efficacy in change of WOMAC pain scores.