Abstract

In joints affected by osteoarthritis, the synovial fluid's capacity to lubricate and to absorb shock are typically reduced. These changes are partly due to a reduction in the size and concentration of hyaluronic acid (hyaluronan1) molecules naturally present in synovial fluid. A new approach in the management of osteoarthritis of the knee is to inject hyaluronan or derivatives of this molecule (hylans) into the joint. We consider the place of two preparations: ▼Hyalgan and Synvisc.