Innovative Treatment Approaches for Knee Osteoarthritis: From Injections to Regenerative Surgery (Review Article)
Volume 24, Issue 1, Winter 2026, Pages 28-38
https://doi.org/10.22034/ijos.2025.246021
farshad shayanmehr, Zahra Jodari Mohammadpour, Anis Ranjbarzad Hagh, Asghar Elmi
Abstract Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common degenerative joint disease that mostly impacts adults over 5 years of age. Its prevalence is considerably higher in women, individuals with excess body weight and people with prior joint trauma. Current treatment strategies primarily focus on symptom control, which underscores the urgent need for more effective and disease-modifying therapies. Recent advances in both nonsurgical and surgical modalities have introduced promising regenerative options. Therapeutic modalities notably mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) have demonstrated substantial potential in attenuating inflammatory responses and facilitating cartilage regeneration, particularly during the early pathological phases of knee osteoarthritis. Intra-articular hyaluronic acid (HA) injections provide only temporary symptomatic relief and show limited long-term efficacy. For advanced cases, surgical interventions including autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) and knee arthroplasty (TKA) remain viable options, with their associated risks and complications. Personalized treatment approaches based on disease severity, progression, and patient-specific factors are likely to yield optimal outcomes. Future directions in KOA management may include gene-edited MSCs, smart implants, and the integration of machine learning to enhance therapeutic precision and long-term success.
Effect of Intra-Articular Hyaluronic Acid or Methyl Prednisolone, or Oral Anti-Inflammatory Drugs in Knee Osteoarthritis (A Comparative Study)
Volume 6, Issue 2, Winter 2008, Pages 74-80
https://doi.org/10.22034/ijos.2020.121196
Ali Akbar Esmaieliejah, MD, Mohammad Reza Abbassian, MD, Hamid Reza Hosseinzadeh, MD, Seyed Mohammad Jazayeri, MD, Mehrnoosh Hasas Yeganeh, MD, Nima Mohsseni, MD
Abstract Background: Osteoarthritis is a relatively common ailment of human beings. The aim of this study is to compare the short-term effects of oral non-steroid anti-inflammatory medications with intra-articular injections of Hyaluronic Acid or Methyl Prednisolone acetate.Methods: In a clinical trial study, 40 female patients with moderate or severe knee osteoarthritis received Hyaluronic Acid intra-articular injections. They were compared with 16 cases who had intra-articular Prednisolone injection and 36 female patients who received non-steroid anti-inflammatory oral medication. The results were evaluated in 6 and 24 weeks by Visual Analogue Scale and Western Ontario & McMaster Universities (WOMAC) functional score.Results: Pain relief in 6 and 24 weeks post injection were 4.9 and 4.7 for Hyaluronic Acid, and 1.5 and 1.6 for Prednisolone. The figures for oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication were 5.2 and 4.9 respectively. Subjective patient’s satisfaction was expressed in 28 (70%) of Hyaluronic Acid group and 16 (100%) of Prednisolone group.Conclusions: After 6 and 24 weeks following intra-articular steroid injection in female patients with knee osteoarthritis, pain relief and subjective patient satisfaction is more favorable compared to intra-articular Hyaluronic Acid injection. These two are both more effective than oral anti-inflammatories. This statement does not include the potential side-effects of intra-articular steroid injection in long-term.