Cross-linked Hyaluronic Acid in Knee Osteoarthritis

NCT07241442 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: E-10840098-202.3.02-5817
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 88
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Knee Osteoarthritis (Knee OA) leads to pain and loss of function, especially in recreational athletes. While hyaluronic acid (HA) injections are a common part of conservative treatment, comparative data on the efficacy of straight-chain (ST-HA) versus cross-linked (CL-HA) formulations remain limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the 6-month efficacy of a single dose of CL-HA versus two doses of ST-HA regarding pain, stiffness, and joint function in recreational athletes aged 50-70 with Kellgren-Lawrence grade 2-3 Knee OA refractory to pharmacological treatment.

Conditions

Knee Osteoarthritis (Knee OA)

Keywords

Knee Osteoarthritis, Cross-linked Hyaluronic Acid, Recreational Athletes, Intra-articular Injection, WOMAC

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Patients were comparatively evaluated pre-treatment and at 1, 3, and 6 months post-treatment using the WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index) score.

  Minimal value is 0, while maximum value is 96.

  Patients were comparatively evaluated pre-treatment and at 1, 3, and 6 months post-treatment

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Patients were comparatively evaluated pre-treatment and at 1, 3, and 6 months post-treatment using the VAS score.

  Patients were comparatively evaluated pre-treatment and at 1, 3, and 6 months post-treatment

Interventions

cross-linked hyaluronic acid DRUG

Cross-linked HA was applied as a single dose to the knee via the anterolateral approach.

Straight-bonded hyaluronic acid DRUG

Straight-bonded HA injection was applied in 2 doses, 4 weeks apart.

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 50 Years - 70 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

This retrospective observational study was conducted in a multicenter manner and included recreational athletes aged between 50 and 70 years who applied to Medipol Esenler Hospital and Republic of Turkey Ministry of Health Erenköy Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Hospital due to knee pain and were diagnosed with gonarthrosis between January 2021 and December 2024.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Istanbul Medipol University Hospital: lead

Study Sites (1)

Istanbul Medipol University

Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Osteoarthritis, Knee

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Osteoarthritis; Arthritis; Joint Diseases; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Rheumatic Diseases

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: CASE CONTROL
• Time Perspective: RETROSPECTIVE
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Assoc.Prof.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: November 17, 2025
• First Posted: November 21, 2025
• Study Start: January 2, 2021
• Primary Completion: December 31, 2024
• Study Completion: May 31, 2025
• Last Updated: February 27, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-02

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will share
• Shared Documents: STUDY PROTOCOL, SAP
• Time Frame: Beginning immediately after publicaiton
• Access Criteria: I will consider review requests for IPD sharing and how they will be reviewed.

Locations

TU (1)