Intra-Articular Hyaluronic Acid for Viscosupplementation in Osteoarthritis of the Hand, Shoulder, and Temporomandibular Joint: A Review of Clinical Effectiveness and Safety

Key Message

For shoulder osteoarthritis, there were no significant differences between intra-articular hyaluronic acid and placebo or between intra-articular hyaluronic acid and intra-articular corticosteroid with respect to pain reduction and functional outcomes. Adverse events were considered unrelated to the study products.

For temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis, there were no significant differences between intra-articular hyaluronic acid and intra-articular corticosteroid, or between intra-articular hyaluronic acid and no injection during arthrocentesis with respect to pain reduction and functional outcomes. There was no significant difference in adverse events between intra-articular hyaluronic acid and intra-articular corticosteroid.

For hand osteoarthritis, evidence was mixed for the comparison between intra-articular hyaluronic acid and intra-articular corticosteroid with respect to pain reduction and functional outcomes. There was no significant difference in pain reduction or functional outcomes between intra-articular hyaluronic acid and placebo. Adverse events were local and considered unrelated to study products.