What is hyaluronic acid and what role does it play in the treatment plan for knee osteoarthritis?  During this episode, Dr. Malanga will teach his medical students and residents about the composition of hyaluronic acid and how it works within the microenvironment of the knee joint to give their future patients the best outcomes with this treatment option. 

Time Stamp

· Intro (0:00)

· Opening remarks about hyaluronic acid (0:30)

· Is hyaluronic acid an acid? (0:55)

· What is the mechanism of action for HA? (2:10)

· Discussing how molecular weight for hyaluronic acid plays a significant role (5:00)

· Synvisc vs. Hyalgan: Is there a difference? (6:20)

· How is hyaluronic acid composed? (8:40)

· Orthopedic academy’s view on hyaluronic acids effectiveness for knee OA (12:20)

· Discussing indications for hyaluronic acid supplementation (13:20)

· Where does HA fit in the algorithm of non-operative treatment for knee OA (15:30)

· How long does HA stay in the knee joint after an injection? (16:20)

· Discussing how HA is FDA approved for a device rather than a drug (17:55)

· Signaling pathways activated by HA injections in the knee joint (18:45)

· Counseling patients on hyaluronic acid expectations (22:00)

· An explanation on why you should drain a knee effusion before HA injections (26:00)

· Closing remarks (30:30)