RESUMO
AIM: To assess efficacy of intraarticular injection of ostenil in knee joint osteoarthrosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty patients with gonarthrosis of x-ray stage I-III (mean age 65 years, mean duration of the disease < 7 years) on chondroprotectors and nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NAD) in a standard dose received a course (3-5 weekly intra-articular injections) of 2 ml injections of ostenil. Assessment of the arthrologic status (VAS, Leken's index, WOMAC index, HAQ index, subjective and objective evaluation of the disease symptoms, need in NAD) was made initially, 5 weeks and 12 months after the treatment. RESULTS: Significant improvement was seen in 60% patients. Pain and stiffness in the knee joint relieved 2-fold. The function improved less. OA severity by Leken's index decreased by two degrees. 20% patients stopped intake of NAD, 32% had no need in taking NAD regularly. Subjective and objective assessment (by the patient and by the doctor) of the symptoms severity improved twice. Twelve months later the arthrological status worsened but not to the baseline. CONCLUSION: Hyaluronic acid drugs act long, are effective and safe for local intra-articular therapy of gonarthrosis.