Original Articles

Long-term efficacy of intra-articular viscosupplementation in delaying hip osteoarthritis radiographic progression: a retrospective, non-controlled study from the ANTIAGE registry

Publisher's note
All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.
Published: 25 February 2026
404
Views
31
Downloads

Authors

Objective. Viscosupplementation is a recognized treatment for improving pain and joint function in the long term. The study aimed to analyze the radiological changes after 2 years of treatment with HyalOne® (Hyalubrix® 60 Italian brand name) in patients with symptomatic hip osteoarthritis (OA). The primary objective was to evaluate the ability of delaying hip OA progression, measured by the percentage of patients showing no radiological Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) grade change ≥1 at 2 years. Secondary objectives included variations in pain at rest, Lequesne index, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) intake after 2 years of treatment.

Methods. Data of patients suffering from symptomatic hip OA treated with HyalOne®/Hyalubrix® 60 were selected from the ANTIAGE national registry. The analysis included 78 patients aged 50 to 80 years with radiological and clinical OA (K-L grade 1-3), body mass index ≤35, and at least 2 years of radiological follow-up. Patients with significant comorbidities or who received previous treatment within two years after HyalOne®/Hyalubrix® 60 were excluded.

Results. This retrospective observational non-controlled study showed that intra-articular injections with HyalOne®/Hyalubrix® 60 were well tolerated and may help maintain clinical and radiographic stability in patients with hip OA. At 2-year follow-up, the K-L grade remained stable in 72 hips (92.31%). Symptom reduction was also observed, supporting lower NSAID consumption and the avoidance of the related adverse events.

Conclusions. These results are clinically meaningful and support the treatment with HyalOne® as a valuable background therapy for maintaining clinical and radiographic stability in patients with hip OA.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Citations

Hunter DJ, Bierma-Zeinstra S. Osteoarthritis. Lancet. 2019 Apr 27;393(10182):1745–59.
Nelson AE. Osteoarthritis year in review 2017: clinical. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2018 Mar;26(3):319–25.
Nilsdotter A, Bremander A. Measures of hip function and symptoms: Harris Hip Score (HHS), Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS), Oxford Hip Score (OHS), Lequesne Index of Severity for Osteoarthritis of the Hip (LISOH), and American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) Hip and Knee Questionnaire. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2011 Nov;63 Suppl 11:S200-207.
Altman R, Alarcón G, Appelrouth D, Bloch D, Borenstein D, Brandt K, et al. The American College of Rheumatology criteria for the classification and reporting of osteoarthritis of the hip. Arthritis Rheum. 1991 May;34(5):505–14.
Zhang Y, Jordan JM. Epidemiology of osteoarthritis. Clin Geriatr Med. 2010 Aug;26(3):355–69.
Chen D, Shen J, Zhao W, Wang T, Han L, Hamilton JL, et al. Osteoarthritis: toward a comprehensive understanding of pathological mechanism. Bone Res. 2017;5:16044.
Azzini GOM, Santos GS, Visoni SBC, Azzini VOM, Santos RGD, Huber SC, et al. Metabolic syndrome and subchondral bone alterations: The rise of osteoarthritis - A review. J Clin Orthop Trauma. 2020 Oct;11(Suppl 5):S849–55.
Xie F, Kovic B, Jin X, He X, Wang M, Silvestre C. Economic and Humanistic Burden of Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review of Large Sample Studies. Pharmacoeconomics. 2016 Nov;34(11):1087–100.
Cross M, Smith E, Hoy D, Nolte S, Ackerman I, Fransen M, et al. The global burden of hip and knee osteoarthritis: estimates from the global burden of disease 2010 study. Ann Rheum Dis. 2014 Jul;73(7):1323–30.
Fayaz A, Croft P, Langford RM, Donaldson LJ, Jones GT. Prevalence of chronic pain in the UK: a systematic review and meta-analysis of population studies. BMJ Open. 2016 Jun 20;6(6):e010364.
Hochberg MC, Altman RD, April KT, Benkhalti M, Guyatt G, McGowan J, et al. American College of Rheumatology 2012 recommendations for the use of nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic therapies in osteoarthritis of the hand, hip, and knee. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2012 Apr;64(4):465–74.
da Costa BR, Reichenbach S, Keller N, Nartey L, Wandel S, Jüni P, et al. Effectiveness of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for the treatment of pain in knee and hip osteoarthritis: a network meta-analysis. Lancet. 2017 Jul 8;390(10090):e21–33.
Zhang W, Doherty M, Arden N, Bannwarth B, Bijlsma J, Gunther KP, et al. EULAR evidence based recommendations for the management of hip osteoarthritis: report of a task force of the EULAR Standing Committee for International Clinical Studies Including Therapeutics (ESCISIT). Ann Rheum Dis. 2005 May;64(5):669–81.
Zhang W, Moskowitz RW, Nuki G, Abramson S, Altman RD, Arden N, et al. OARSI recommendations for the management of hip and knee osteoarthritis, Part II: OARSI evidence-based, expert consensus guidelines. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2008 Feb;16(2):137–62.
Phillips CB, Barrett JA, Losina E, Mahomed NN, Lingard EA, Guadagnoli E, et al. INCIDENCE RATES OF DISLOCATION, PULMONARY EMBOLISM, AND DEEP INFECTION DURING THE FIRST SIX MONTHS AFTER ELECTIVE TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT: The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery-American Volume. 2003 Jan;85(1):20–6.
Gibbs AJ, Gray B, Wallis JA, Taylor NF, Kemp JL, Hunter DJ, et al. Recommendations for the management of hip and knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review of clinical practice guidelines. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2023 Oct;31(10):1280–92.
Lippi L, Ferrillo M, Turco A, Folli A, Moalli S, Refati F, et al. Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation after Hyaluronic Acid Injections for Elderly with Knee, Hip, Shoulder, and Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis. Medicina (Kaunas). 2023 Nov 20;59(11).
Zhu JB, Lim AJC, McCaskie AW, Khanduja V. Viscosupplementation is Effective for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis in the Hip. A Systematic Review. Arthroscopy. 2023 Nov 22;S0749-8063(23)00939-8.
Chou R, McDonagh MS, Nakamoto E, Griffin J. Analgesics for Osteoarthritis: An Update of the 2006 Comparative Effectiveness Review. Rockville (MD); 2011.
Schaffer D, Florin T, Eagle C, Marschner I, Singh G, Grobler M, et al. Risk of serious NSAID-related gastrointestinal events during long-term exposure: a systematic review. Med J Aust. 2006 Nov 6;185(9):501–6.
Singh G, Wu O, Langhorne P, Madhok R. Risk of acute myocardial infarction with nonselective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: a meta-analysis. Arthritis Res Ther. 2006;8(5):R153.
Kraus VB, Burnett B, Coindreau J, Cottrell S, Eyre D, Gendreau M, et al. Application of biomarkers in the development of drugs intended for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage. 2011;19(5):515–42.
Rivera F. Can viscosupplementation be used in the hip? An Italian perspective. Orthopedics. 2014 Jan;37(1):48–55.
Migliore A, Bizzi E, Herrero-Beaumont J, Petrella RJ, Raman R, Chevalier X. The discrepancy between recommendations and clinical practice for viscosupplementation in osteoarthritis: mind the gap! Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2015 Apr;19(7):1124–9.
Costa FR, Costa Marques MR, Costa VC, Santos GS, Martins RA, Santos M da S, et al. Intra-Articular Hyaluronic Acid in Osteoarthritis and Tendinopathies: Molecular and Clinical Approaches. Biomedicines. 2023 Mar 30;11(4).
Migliore A, Paoletta M, Moretti A, Liguori S, Iolascon G. The perspectives of intra-articular therapy in the management of osteoarthritis. Expert Opin Drug Deliv. 2020 Sep;17(9):1213–26.
Legré-Boyer V. Viscosupplementation: techniques, indications, results. Orthop Traumatol Surg Res. 2015 Feb;101(1 Suppl):S101-108.
Guidolin D, Franceschi F. Viscosupplementation with high molecular weight native hyaluronan. Focus on a 1500-2000 KDa fraction (Hyalubrix®). Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2014;18(21):3326–38.
Foti C, Cisari C, Carda S, Giordan N, Rocco A, Frizziero A, et al. A prospective observational study of the clinical efficacy and safety of intra-articular sodium hyaluronate in synovial joints with osteoarthritis. Eur J Phys Rehabil Med. 2011 Sep;47(3):407–15.
Migliore A, Tormenta S, Martin Martin LS, Iannessi F, Massafra U, Carloni E, et al. The symptomatic effects of intra-articular administration of hylan G-F 20 on osteoarthritis of the hip: clinical data of 6 months follow-up. Clin Rheumatol. 2006 May;25(3):389–93.
Wu YZ, Huang HT, Ho CJ, Shih CL, Chen CH, Cheng TL, et al. Molecular Weight of Hyaluronic Acid Has Major Influence on Its Efficacy and Safety for Viscosupplementation in Hip Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Cartilage. 2021 Dec;13(1_suppl):169S-184S.
Qvistgaard E, Kristoffersen H, Terslev L, Danneskiold-Samsøe B, Torp-Pedersen S, Bliddal H. Guidance by ultrasound of intra-articular injections in the knee and hip joints. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2001 Aug;9(6):512–7.
Migliore A, Martin LSM, Alimonti A, Valente C, Tormenta S. Efficacy and safety of viscosupplementation by ultrasound-guided intra-articular injection in osteoarthritis of the hip. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2003 Apr;11(4):305–6.
Migliore A, Massafra U, Bizzi E, Lagana B, Germano V, Piscitelli P, et al. Intra-articular injection of hyaluronic acid (MW 1,500-2,000 kDa; HyalOne) in symptomatic osteoarthritis of the hip: a prospective cohort study. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2011 Dec;131(12):1677–85.
Migliore A, Massafra U, Frediani B, Bizzi E, Sinelnikov Yzchaki E, Gigliucci G, et al. HyalOne® in the treatment of symptomatic hip OA - data from the ANTIAGE register: seven years of observation. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2017 Apr;21(7):1635–44.
Migliore A, Tormenta S, Laganà B, Piscitelli P, Granata M, Bizzi E, et al. Safety of intra-articular hip injection of hyaluronic acid products by ultrasound guidance: an open study from ANTIAGE register. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2013 Jul;17(13):1752–9.
Monti L, Franchi E, Verde F, Sgherzi S, Anghilieri FM. Retrospective evaluation of the efficacy of ultrasound-guided intra-articular hyaluronic-acid-based injections (Hyalubrix®) in patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis. Reumatismo [Internet]. 2024 Dec 16 [cited 2025 Jul 28];77(1). Available from: https://www.reumatismo.org/reuma/article/view/1699
Migliore A, Massafra U, Bizzi E, Vacca F, Martin-Martin S, Granata M, et al. Comparative, double-blind, controlled study of intra-articular hyaluronic acid (Hyalubrix) injections versus local anesthetic in osteoarthritis of the hip. Arthritis Res Ther. 2009;11(6):R183.
Migliore A, Bella A, Bisignani M, Calderaro M, De Amicis D, Logroscino G, et al. Total hip replacement rate in a cohort of patients affected by symptomatic hip osteoarthritis following intra-articular sodium hyaluronate (MW 1,500-2,000 kDa) ORTOBRIX study. Clin Rheumatol. 2012 Aug;31(8):1187–96.
KELLGREN JH, LAWRENCE JS. Radiological assessment of osteo-arthrosis. Ann Rheum Dis. 1957 Dec;16(4):494–502.
Lequesne MG. The algofunctional indices for hip and knee osteoarthritis. J Rheumatol. 1997 Apr;24(4):779–81.
Sundjaja JH, Shrestha R, Krishan K. McNemar And Mann-Whitney U Tests. 2020;
Eyigör C, Pirim A, Eyigör S, Uyar M. Efficacy of intraarticular hyaluronic acid injection through a lateral approach under fluoroscopic control for advanced hip osteoarthritis. Agri. 2010;22(4):139–44.
Clementi D, D’Ambrosi R, Bertocco P, Bucci MS, Cardile C, Ragni P, et al. Efficacy of a single intra-articular injection of ultra-high molecular weight hyaluronic acid for hip osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled study. European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology. 2018;28:915–22.
Caglar-Yagci H, Unsal S, Yagci I, Dulgeroglu D, Ozel S. Safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided intra-articular hylan GF 20 injection in osteoarthritis of the hip: a pilot study. Rheumatology international. 2005;25:341–4.
Ghanta RB, Tsay E, Zaid M, Ward D, Barry J. Intraarticular hip corticosteroid injections offer no meaningful benefit in delaying time to total hip arthroplasty in patients with hip osteoarthritis. J Orthop Surg Res. 2024 Oct 22;19(1):679.
Kelly E, Heron N. Pain management of hip osteoarthritis with corticosteroids vs injection therapies: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2025 May 15;26(1):473.

Ethics Approval

The study received approval on 29 December 2021 from the Ethical Committee “Lazio I” (A.O. San Camillo Forlanini, Roma), protocol number 1697/CE Lazio.

Supporting Agencies

This retrospective observational study was sponsored by Fidia Farmaceutici SpA. However, Fidia Farmaceutici SpA did not solicit this research project or protocols from the investigators or institutions. Fidia Farmaceutici SpA was not responsible for the management of the study, data analysis, reporting, and decision to submit this manuscript for publication.

How to Cite



1.
Long-term efficacy of intra-articular viscosupplementation in delaying hip osteoarthritis radiographic progression: a retrospective, non-controlled study from the ANTIAGE registry. Reumatismo [Internet]. 2026 Feb. 25 [cited 2026 Mar. 27];78(1). Available from: https://www.reumatismo.org/reuma/article/view/1917