Effect of Sodium Hyaluronate Injections
What happens in the synovial joint after an injection with sodium hyaluronate?
-
An injection of sodium hyaluronate increases the viscosity of the synovial fluid, restoring its lubricating, shock-absorbing and filtering properties.*
More on Sodium Hyaluronate...>>>
-
In addition, it re-establishes the protective coating of hyaluronan over the inner surface of the joint and increases the scavenging of free radicals.*
-
As a result of these changes, sodium hyaluronate reduces inflammation of the synovial membrane.*
The direct effects of exogenous hyaluronan (i.e. injections of artificial sodium hyaluronate) cannot account for its long-term benefits, as it is cleared from the joint within a few days. It appears that, through its direct effects, exogenous hyaluronan restores the ability of the joint to produce its own hyaluronan and thus returns it to a state of homeostasis (i.e. stable condition) that persists for several months.*
Evidence exists suggesting that exogenous hyaluronan may slow the destruction of cartilage*.
*References available upon request.