A single centre, open label, pilot study evaluating the effect of intra-articular hyaluronic acid injection on pain and functionality when injected into the ankle (tibio-talar and sub-talar) joint in patients with haemophilic arthropathy.

AIMS: Ankle arthropathy commonly affects persons with haemophilia (PWH). Joint damage causes loss of movement, pain and reduced function. Current treatments are limited. Viscosupplementation has been used to treat other patient groups with joint damage. Viscosupplements serve to augment or act as a substitute for synovial fluid and may ameliorate the effects of cartilage loss by cushioning joints and reducing pain. This study evaluated intra-articular Ostenil Plus™ (HA) for ankle arthropathy in PWH. Reduction in pain was the primary outcome. METHODS: A single centre open label pilot study. PWH and significant ankle arthropathy, according to MRI scores, were recruited. Participants received intra-articular HA injections at baseline and 6 months. Follow up assessments were completed three-monthly for 1 year. Pain was assessed by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Participant perceptions of overall changes to pain, function and quality of life were sought. RESULTS: Twenty-four participants were recruited, three withdrew. Twenty-six joints were injected. Twenty participants had severe haemophilia. Mean age 35 years. Participants reported significant reduction in pain over the study. VAS baseline: 5.62; 6 month 3.92; 12-month 3.42, P < .0001. Joint function improved together with ankle HJHS. No change was seen for EQ-5D-5L. Sixteen participants reported reductions in ankle pain and stiffness and greater confidence in undertaking physical activities. No significant adverse reactions were reported. CONCLUSION: Ostenil Plus™ treatment improves pain, function and patient perception of functional ability in PWH and ankle arthropathy. This study supports the use of HA as a safe treatment in PWH.