Predictors of response to viscosupplementation in patients with hip osteoarthritis: results of a prospective, observational, multicentre, open-label, pilot study

Viscosupplementation Is Effective for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis in the Hip: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

To assess the efficacy of intra-articular viscosupplementation as a therapeutic intervention for hip osteoarthritis (OA), as well as to assess the duration of efficacy, effect of dose, composition and number of injections of the viscosupplement, and the incidence of adverse effects.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review using the literature search from the following databases: Embase, Medline, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. Quality assessment of the included studies was performed using the Modified Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. Random-effects meta-analysis and mixed-effects subgroup analysis were carried out, but due to the high heterogeneity, low level of evidence, and high risk of bias of the included studies after analyzing the data, weighted means and pooled estimates have not been provided. Instead, we have provided a subjective synthesis of the results.

RESULTS

Forty studies were included in the analysis from an initial search of 3,265 studies, with data from a total of 3,350 patients. The level of available evidence was low with an overall high risk of bias. Nearly all studies showed a reduction in mean pain at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months of follow-up, as well as at the end point, and an improvement in mean patient-reported function was also seen at these time points. However, heterogeneity was extremely high at all time points and remained despite attempts at removing outliers. Subgroup analyses looking at the effects of dose, volume, composition of viscosupplement, and number of injections were carried out, but substantial heterogeneity still remained. There were no lasting adverse effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Weak evidence suggests that viscosupplementation improves patient-reported pain and function at end point compared to baseline, regardless of dose, volume, composition, and number of injections. However, due to the high heterogeneity, low level of evidence, and high risk of bias in the current available literature, the strength of our conclusions is limited.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, systematic review of level I to IV studies.

Ultrasound-Guided Hip Injections with High Density Hyaluronic Acid: Outcome at One Year Follow Up

Background: The ultrasound-guided viscosupplementation of the hip joint with hyaluronic acid (HA) is considered a standard procedure among the conservative treatments for hip arthritis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical benefit and the incidence of adverse events of the technique in an observational study at one year follow up. Methods: We evaluated a consecutive series of 85 patients with a diagnosis of symptomatic arthritis who underwent intra-articular ultrasound-guided hyaluronic acid injections. The scales used for evaluation were modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster University), and Hip Outcome Score (HOS) with subscale Sport (HOSs), for pain the Visual Analogic Scale (VAS). The patients were classified according to Tonnis' radiological classification of arthritis (range 0-3): 20 patients (grade 0), 32 (grade 1), 18 (grade 2), 15 (grade 3). Results: At last follow up, all the scales increased: mHHS from 59.35 to 82.1, HOS from 69.45 to 78.53, HOss from 47.4 to 58.11, VAS from 6.09 to 3.97, WOMAC from 33.2 to 31.5 (p < 0.05 for all the parameters); the results were elaborated with GraphPad Prism v5.0 (Prism Software La Jolla, CA, USA) using Wilcoxon's test. A total of 13 patients out of 85 needed arthroplasty, all classified as Tonnis grade 3. No serious adverse events were noted due to the procedure. Conclusions: Based on our findings, indication for the use of hyaluronic acid is limited to patients with mild to moderate arthritis. Patients in advanced arthritis refusing replacement surgery and asking for this treatment should be informed about the poor results of the technique even in the short term.

The Association between Radiographic Features and the Duration of Effectiveness of a Single Injection of Extended-Release Hyaluronic Acid (HANOX-M-XL) in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: Preliminary Results of a Prospective Trial

BACKGROUND

Advanced radiological stage of knee osteoarthritis (OA) is predictive of poor response to viscosupplementation (VS). To date, the impact of x-ray features on the duration of effectiveness (DE) of VS has not been investigated.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the radiological features associated with DE of VS in patients with knee OA.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study in patients with knee OA treated with 1 injection of cross-linked hyaluronic acid (HA). The primary outcome was DE, self-assessed by the patients in weeks of effectiveness. Radiological features (joint space narrowing-JSN topography and Kellgren-Lawrence [K-L] grade) associated with DE were studied.

RESULTS

Fifty-one patients-33 females (76 knees)-were analyzed. The average DE was 52.0 (24.7) weeks (range, 13-155 weeks). In the bivariate analysis, DE was 14 weeks longer in those with K-L grades 1 and 2 (62.6 ± 36.4 weeks) than in those with K-L 3 and 4 (48.9 ± 18.6) (P = 0.03). DE was not significantly different according to the involved compartment(s). It was significantly longer in men than in women (60 ± 31.4 vs. 47 ± 16 weeks; P = 0.035). In multivariate analysis, K-L grade (1-2 vs. 3-4) (P = 0.007), male gender (0.02), and older age (0.04) were independently associated with a longer DE.

CONCLUSION

DE of a single injection of extended-release HA is longer in K-L 1-2 than in K-L 3-4 OA knees, regardless of the JSN topography. However, even the patients with more advanced OA benefited from HANOX-M-XL injection for an average duration barely less than 1 year.

Hyaluronic acid in the treatment of osteoarthritis of various localization: A review

The article discusses the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA), the prevalence of which is high, and according to some forecasts it will increase by 50% in the next 20 years. The authors emphasize the high comorbidity among patients suffering from OA and high cardiovascular and gastrointestinal risks with frequent use of NSAIDs, the volume of consumption of which is constantly increasing. Discussing recommendations for the treatment of patients with OA, the article focuses on the use of hyaluronic acid (HA) preparations in the treatment of OA. The mechanisms of anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective actions of HA in the joint, its effect on cartilage and synovial membrane are discussed. Attention is drawn to the fact that, despite more than 30 years of experience in the effective use of HA preparations in the treatment of OA, this procedure is still a subject of controversy among international professional communities. The article presents data from meta-analyses and systematic reviews confirming the effectiveness of the use of intra-articular management of HA preparations in OA of various localization (knee joints, hip joints, hand joints). In conclusion, the recommendations of the technical expert group established at the International Symposium on Intra-Articular Treatment are given to determine the criteria for the successful administration of HA in OA of various localizations, as well as predictors of success and non-success of therapy with HA drugs. The experts identified indications, contraindications for intra-articular administration of HA preparations, as well as conditions associated with an increased risk of therapy failure. In conclusion, the authors draw conclusions about the importance of using HA preparations for intra-articular administration for the treatment of OA, starting from the early stages, following the recommendations of experts.

Predictors for patient satisfaction of a single intra-articular injection of crosslinked hyaluronic acid combined with mannitol (HANOX-M-XL) in patients with temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis. Results of a prospective open-label pilot study (HAPPYMINI-ARTEMIS trial)

Background

Chronic pain and functional impairment interfere with the quality of life of subjects suffering from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Intra-articular (IA) hyaluronic acid (HA) injections have been shown to alleviate pain and improve mandibular mobility in patients with TMJ osteoarthritis (OA).

Objectives

The primary aim of the study was to identify the prognostic factors of patient satisfaction for a single IA injection of a mannitol-modified crosslinked HA (HANOX-M-XL) in patients with TMJ-OA. The second goal was to obtain clinical data on effectiveness, safety and mandibular mobility throughout a six-month follow-up period.

Patients and methods

This was an observational single-arm prospective trial with a six-month follow-up. Inclusion criteria: patients with TMJ-OA which is not relieved by analgesics and/or non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory drugs and/or orthotics, with radiological evidence of TMJ-OA. All patients received a single IA injection of 1 ml HANOX-M-XL in the target TMJ. The primary endpoint was patient satisfaction on day 180. The main secondary outcome measures were pain variation on a 11-point numeric scale (0–11) between the date of injection and month six, the variation over time of the Maximum Inter-Incisal Opening Distance (MIIOD) and the patient’s assessment of effectiveness. Predictive factors of success or failure were also studied. All adverse events were recorded.

Results

36 subjects (mean age 55.3 years, mean disease duration 98 months), covering a total of 52 injected TMJs, were included. Between baseline and endpoint, the average pain while chewing decreased dramatically from 6.9 ± 1.2 to 2.9 ± 1.3 (p < 0.0001) and the MIIOD increased from 29 ± 7 to 35 ± 5 mm (p < 0.01). On day 180, all patients were satisfied with the treatment, with 34 patients (94%) rating it as highly effective or effective. Tolerability was good in all but one patient. In the multivariate analysis, patient satisfaction on day 180 was highly correlated with the pain while chewing score, pain on palpation score and the decrease of pain over time (all p < 0.0001) but not with MIIOD, gender, age, bruxism, articular noise and symptom duration. Previous viscosupplementation was also related to higher satisfaction (p = 0.01).

Conclusion

Despite a long history of pain, most of the patients with symptomatic TMJ-OA benefited from a single injection of HANOX-M-XL, as shown by the sustained (up to 6 months) decrease in pain and improvement in mandibular mobility, with no safety concerns.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12891-022-05352-3.

Ultrasound-guided injection with hyaluronic acid in hip osteoarthritis: efficacy and safety in a real-life setting

BACKGROUND

For knee OA, EULAR has included hyaluronic acid (HA) intra-articular injection in the 2003 recommendations, making the intra-articular injection a sound therapeutic option. The ultrasound-guided intra-articular injections (USGIAI) have been demonstrated to be more efficient and safe in comparison to the blind procedure. Our objectives were to evaluate the short- and medium-term efficacy and safety of USGIAI of HA in moderate hip OA and patients' additional NSAIDs/pain killer intake.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with hip OA (KLG II/III), that failed standard of care therapy, received 3 consecutive HA-USGIAI (case group) while other patients (KLG II/III) treated according to current guidelines were chosen as a control group. Demographic data, comorbidities and medication intake were recorded. VAS pain scale and WOMAC score were performed at baseline and at 3 months. In the case group, they were additionally scored at 6 months. At baseline and at 6 months, hip X-ray assessment was also made. Ultrasound evaluation was made at each visit.

RESULTS

In the case group, 15 patients were enrolled and 28 hip joints were injected. The control group consisted of 17 hip OA patients. In the case group, pain evaluated by VAS score and WOMAC score were significantly and progressively decreased (p < 0.0001) from baseline up to 3 and 6 months, respectively. Indeed, the case group showed a significantly lower NSAIDs/pain killer median intake at 3 months from baseline (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that HA-USGIAI may be an effective and safe treatment for moderate hip OA with short- and medium-term benefits. Key Points • US hip evaluation before interventional maneuvers may identify capsular distension suggestive for concomitant septic involvement, microcrystal arthropathy or incipient hip osteonecrosis. • USGIAI may be fundamental to achieve an efficacious and safe injection. • HA-USGIAI may be an effective and safe treatment for moderate hip OA with short- and medium-term benefits.

Open-Label Pilot Study of a Single Intra-Articular Injection of Mannitol-Modified Cross-Linked Hyaluronic Acid (HANOX-M-XL) for the Treatment of the First Metatarsophalangeal Osteoarthritis (Hallux Rigidus): The REPAR Trial

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to obtain information on safety and short-term efficiency of a single intra-articular injection of mannitol-modified cross-linked hyaluronic acid (HANOX-M-XL) in patients with painful first metatarsophalangeal joint osteoarthritis (1stMTPJ-OA).

Methods:

The study involved an observational, single-arm, prospective multicentre trial, with a 3-month follow-up. Inclusion criteria were patients with symptomatic 1st MTPJ-OA not relieved by analgesics and / or non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory drugs and / or foot orthotic. All patients received a single, imaging-guided intra-articular (IA) injection of 1 mL of HANOX-M-XL in the 1st MTPJ. The primary outcome was the change in pain between the date of injection and month 3. The secondary outcomes were the patient assessment of effectiveness, the decrease in painkiller use and the influence of the radiographic score on the clinical efficacy.

Results:

Sixty-five participants (72.3% women, mean age = 60) were included in the trial. Coughlin-Shurnas radiological grade was 1 in 28 patients, 2 in 29, and 3 in 6. At baseline and month 3, the average pain (0-10) was 6.5 ± 1.8 and 2.8 ± 2.3, respectively. The change in pain score was highly significant (−3.1 ± 2.9; P < .0001). At baseline there was no statistically difference in pain between the radiological stages (P = .69). At endpoint, the average pain score was 2.0 ± 1.9 in x-ray stage 1, 3.1 ± 2.3 in stage 2 and 3.3 ± 2.4 in stage 3 (P = .001). Mild to moderate adverse reactions were reported by 15 patients. All were a transient increase of the hallux pain that occurred immediately and up to 6 hours after injection and resolved in 1 to 7 days.

Conclusion:

This pilot study suggests that a single IA injection of HANOX-M-XL is safe and mainly benefits patients with mild moderate 1st MTPJ-OA. Further randomized controlled trials are necessary to confirm these preliminary encouraging results.

Safety and efficacy of a single intra-articular injection of hyaluronic acid in osteoarthritis of the hip: a case series of 87 patients

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent form of joint disease and commonly affects the hip. Hip OA is associated with a high socioeconomic burden. Intra-articular hyaluronic acid (HA) injection may be of benefit but quality evidence for HA use in hip OA is lacking. The purpose of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of ultrasound guided injection of a high molecular weight, non-animal derived, stabilised HA (NASHA) in patients with mild to moderate hip OA.

Methods

This single site study is an analysis of prospectively collected outcome data for 87 consecutive patients over a 2-year period who received a single HA (Durolane) injection for symptomatic hip OA. Inclusion criteria were male or female patients over 18-years of age with mild to moderate hip OA on x-ray. Patients with severe hip OA were excluded. The primary outcome measure was a modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) questionnaire at baseline and 6-weeks with a minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of 10 points. All adverse events were recorded and assessed.

Results

Data from 87 patients, 49 women and 38 men with mean age of 54 (SD = 10.8) were analysed. At baseline, mean mHHS was 58.47 (SD 14.31). At the 6 week follow up, mean mHHS improved to 71.30 (SD 16.46), a difference of 12.83 (p < 0.01). This was greater than the MCID of 10. No significant adverse events were encountered. Five patients reported short-lived injection site pain.

Conclusion

A single injection of HA (NASHA) in the setting of hip joint OA was both safe and efficacious in this 87 patient cohort. Improvement in pain and function as measured with mHHS was statistically significant and reached the MCID of 10.

Trial registration

The study was retrospectively registered on the 1st of February 2021 in the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry with registry number ACTRN12621000098831. All research was performed in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki.

Viscosupplementation for hip osteoarthritis: Does systematic review of patient-reported outcome measures support use?

INTRODUCTION

Osteoarthritis of the hip is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. There is lack of agreement among providers and governing agencies regarding the efficacy of hyaluronic acid (HA) for the management of hip osteoarthritis (OA). Therefore, the purpose of this systematic review was to determine how HA administration impacts 1) patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) and 2) rates of conversion to THA.

METHODS

The PubMed, EBSCO host, and Google Scholar electronic databases were queried for all studies published between January 1st, 2000 and January 1st, 2020 that reported on outcomes following HA administration for treatment of hip OA. The following keywords were implemented with AND and OR Boolean operators: "hip"; "osteoarthritis"; "arthritis"; "viscosupplementation"; "hyaluronic acid." Our final analysis included 39 studies and reported on a total of 5,864 patients receiving injections of HA.

RESULTS

All studies reporting on visual analog scale (VAS), patient global assessment, and total Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores demonstrated improvements following HA administration. For the Lequesne Index (LI), WOMAC pain, WOMAC function, and Harris Hip Score (HHS) values, a majority of studies reported that HA would prove beneficial, with one analysis suggesting a lack of improvement. There was inconsistent evidence across studies regarding the effectiveness of HA compared to other intra-articular injections. The formulation of the administered viscosupplementation did not appear to influence outcomes. Furthermore, rates of conversion to THA were relatively low when evaluating 1- to 4-year follow-up intervals.

DISCUSSION

Non-comparative studies consistently demonstrated that HA can achieve satisfactory pain reduction and functional improvement. However, there was not enough evidence in the current literature regarding whether HA is superior to placebo or other types of intra-articular injections. Future studies should continue to compare HA to other treatment modalities in randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes.

Minimally Invasive Therapies for Osteoarthritic Hip Pain: a Comprehensive Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a highly prevalent cause of chronic hip pain, affecting 27% of adults aged over 45 years and 42% of adults aged over 75 years. Though OA has traditionally been described as a disorder of "wear-and-tear," recent studies have expanded on this understanding to include a possible inflammatory etiology as well, damage to articular cartilage produces debris in the joint that is phagocytosed by synovial cells which leads to inflammation.

RECENT FINDINGS

Patients with OA of the hip frequently have decreased quality of life due to pain and limited mobility though additional comorbidities of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, poor sleep quality, and obesity have been correlated. Initial treatment with conservative medical management can provide effective symptomatic relief. Physical therapy and exercise are important components of a multimodal approach to osteoarthritic hip pain. Patients with persistent pain may benefit from minimally invasive therapeutic approaches prior to consideration of undergoing total hip arthroplasty. The objective of this review is to provide an update of current minimally invasive therapies for the treatment of pain stemming from hip osteoarthritis; these include intra-articular injection of medication, regenerative therapies, and radiofrequency ablation.

EUROVISCO Recommendations for Optimizing the Clinical Results of Viscosupplementation in Osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVES

The 3 aims of the work were to identify population subgroups that can benefit the most from viscosupplementation (VS), to provide recommendations on injection techniques, and to discuss VS appropriateness in clinical situations that are commonplace in daily practice.

METHODS

The task force members voted on their degree of agreement on 27 statements, 36 recommendations, and 22 clinical scenarios using a 9-point scale. The strength of agreement/appropriateness/recommendation (SOA/SOR) was classified as strong if the median agreement score was ≥8. The level of consensus (LOC) was also obtained.

RESULTS

Among the assumed predictors for VS failure, obesity, radiographic severity, large synovial fluid effusion, severe patellofemoral involvement, major malalignment, and gross joint instability received a large majority of agreements. The lateral mid-patellar approach was recommended for knee injection. Imaging guidance was unanimously recommended for hip and ankle. Agreement was achieved to strictly respect the dosing regimen proven by controlled trials. There was agreement for treating with VS patients with mild to moderate knee and hip OA, with normal weight or moderate overweight, insufficiently improved by first-line therapies, or who do not wish get oral treatment or who have contraindications to pain killers. The group considered the patient's wishes as a key element in therapeutic decision making.

CONCLUSION

Based on literature data and clinical experience, the EUROVISCO group proposed a set of recommendations for optimizing the results of VS, aimed to help practitioners, especially in some cases in which the patients' specificities make the therapeutic decision difficult.

How to Treat Osteoarthritis in Obese Patients?

The close association between osteoarthritis (OA) and obesity is well established. Mechanisms linking obesity and OA involve multifactorial phenomena such as systemic factors (i.e. adipokines and pro-inflammatory cytokines), hormonal disturbances (hyperinsulinemia) and muscule changes (i.e. sarcopenia and lower muscular tone). The concomitant increasing prevalence of the two diseases have major health, social and economic consequences. However, to date no specific recommendation for the medical management of obese patients with OA have been published. Current recommendations only specify that obese patients must lose weight and practice regular physical activity in addition to the usual care. Weight loss improves not only OA symptoms but also metabolic abnormalities and cardiovascular risk factors commonly altered in subjects with obesity. OA symptoms' improvement has been shown to become clinically relevant from a weight loss > 5% of the body weight. In case of morbid obesity, bariatric surgery may be the only alternative for pain relief. After bariatric surgery, an appropriate calcium and vitamin D intake is recommended, since it has been shown that bariatric surgery was associated with a reduction in the bone mineral density and increased risk of fractures. An exercise program is essential for preserving healthy muscles during weight loss. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids must be avoided, especially in obese patients with metabolic syndrome. In such patients symptomatic slow acting drugs for OA (i.e. glucosamine, chondroitin) and some anti-oxidant drugs (i.e. curcumin, ginger extracts, copper) may be helpful thanks to their excellent benefit/risk ratio and their mode of action which may have a positive impact on both OA and obesity-related metabolic disorders. Recent research focuses on the development of molecules aimed for promoting the production of heme oxygenase (HO-1). HO-1 decreases the production of oxygen free radicals and protects tissues from oxidative stress in the insulin resistance syndrome. Intra-articular (IA) injections of hyaluronic acid and corticosteroid have few adverse events. However, physicians must inform patients that IA treatments have a lower success rate in obese patients than in those with normal body mass index. Spa therapy contributes to relief pain, favour weight-loss and reduces metabolic abnormalities with a favourable risk/benefit balance.

Safety and Predictive Factors of Short-Term Efficacy of a Single Injection of Mannitol-Modified Cross-Linked Hyaluronic Acid in Patients with Trapeziometacarpal Osteoarthritis. Results of a Multicentre Prospective Open-Label Pilot Study (INSTINCT Trial)

Purpose:

To assess safety and search predictive factors of efficacy of a single intra-articular injection of a mannitol-modified hyaluronic acid (HA) viscosupplement, in patients having trapeziometacarpal (TMC) osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods:

Patients with symptomatic TMC OA, not adequately relieved by analgesic therapy and/or by the use of a thumb splint, were included in a 3-month prospective multicentre open-label trial. All underwent plain radiographs with the Kapandji incidences allowing the Dell radiological grade assessment (1-4). Primary end point was the variation between injection (D0) and day 90 (D90) of the thumb pain (11-point Likert scale). Treatment consisted in a single injection of 0.6 to 1 mL of a viscosupplement made of a cross-linked HA combined with mannitol. All injections were performed under imaging guidance. Predictive factors of pain decrease were studied in univariate and multivariate analysis.

Results:

A total of 122 patients (76% women, mean age 60, mean disease duration 36 months) were included and 120 (98%) were assessed at 3 months. The TMC OA was of Dell’s grade 1, 2, 3, and 4 in 23%, 36.8%, 36.8%, and 3.5% of cases, respectively. At D0, the average (SD) pain level was 6.5 ± 1.6 without significant difference between Dell groups (P = .21). At day 90, pain decreased from 6.5 ± 1.6 to 3.9 ± 2.5 (difference −2.7 ± 2.5; −42%; P < .0001) without significant difference between Dell grade (P = .055), despite a seemingly smaller number of responders in stage 2 patients. The average analgesic consumption decreased in more than 1 out of 2 patients. In multivariate analysis, no predictor of response was identified. There was no safety issue. All adverse events (11%) were transient increase in pain during or following HA administration and resolved without sequel within 1 to 7 days.

Conclusions:

This study suggests that a single course of HANOX-M-XL injection is effective in relieving pain in patients with TMC OA, without safety concern. Patients with advanced stage of OA benefit the treatment as much as those with mild or moderate OA.

Hip Inflammation MRI Scoring System (HIMRISS) to predict response to hyaluronic acid injection in hip osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE

To assess predictors of response, according to hip MRI inflammatory scoring system (HIMRISS), in a sample of patients with hip osteoarthritis (OA) treated by hyaluronic acid (HA) injection.

METHOD

Sixty patients with hip OA were included. Clinical outcomes were assessed at baseline and three months after HA injection by WOMAC. On hip MRI performed before HA injection, bone marrow lesion (BML) and synovitis were assessed by HIMRISS by four readers. The inter-reader reliability of HIMRISS was for HIMRISS total, acetabular BML, femoral BML and synovitis-effusion respectively 0.86, 0.64, 0.83 and 0.78. Associations between MRI features and clinical data were assessed. Logistic regression (univariate and multivariate) was used to explore associations between MRI features and response to HA injection, according to WOMAC50 response at three months.

RESULTS

In total, 45.5% of patients met WOMAC50 response. Five adverse events were reported. At baseline, WOMAC function correlated significantly to HIMRISS synovitis-effusion (r=0.27, P=0.03). In univariate analysis, BML femoral according to binary assessment (P=0.025), HIMRISS BML femoral (P=0.0038), HIMRISS BML acetabular (P=0.042), HIMRISS total (P=0.0092) were associated negatively with WOMAC50 response. In multivariate analysis, adjusted for age and BMI, HIMRISS femoral BML (P=0.02) and HIMRISS total (P=0.016) were negatively associated with response. At a HIMRISS threshold of<15, 82% of patients were responders, with specificity SP=0.97, sensitivity SN=0.39, and positive and negative predictive values of 0.91 and 0.64, respectively.

CONCLUSION

HIMRISS is reliable for total scores and sub-domains. It permits identification of responders to HA injection in hip OA patients.