J Korean Burn Soc.  2011 Dec;14(2):118-121.

Intra-articular Injection of Hyaluronic Acid to Rehabilitate Post-burn Elbow Contracture

• Choi JS
• Mun JH
• Jeon JH
• Jung YJ
• Seo CH
• Jang KU

Abstract

PURPOSE
Limitation of motion of the elbow joint causes upper extremity dysfunction and limitation in activities of daily living. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a glycosaminoglycan (GAG), which is a substance that attaches to collagen and elastin to form cartilage. HA not only helps keep the cartilage that cushions joints strong and flexible, but also helps to increase supplies of joint-lubricating synovial fluid. We investigated the effect of intraarticularly applied HA on the post-burn contracture of the elbow.
METHODS
Total 14 patients were randomized into HA and control groups. The treatment group who treated with HA intra-articular injection once a week for 3 times. A control group was not injected. The effect of HA injection was evaluated by range of motion (ROM) of elbow, grip strength, patient's visual analogue scale (VAS) of pain and functional independence measure (FIM) scale before the first injection as well as after 1 and 3 months.
RESULTS
The change in elbow flexion ROM was 29.2+/-19 for HA vs 1.4+/-2.4 for control (P<0.05). The change in VAS pain was 2.9+/-1.3 for HA vs 1+/-1.3 for control (P<0.05). These beneficial effects of HA are sustained for 3 months. There was no significant difference in elbow extension, supination, pronation, grip strength and FIM score.
CONCLUSION
As a result, intra-articular injection of hyaluronic acid is effective for the treatment of post-burn contracture of the elbow.

Keyword

Contracture; Elbow; Burns; Hyaluronic acid; Intraarticular injections

MeSH Terms

Activities of Daily Living
Burns
Cartilage
Collagen
Contracture
Elastin
Elbow
Elbow Joint
Equipment and Supplies
Hand Strength
Humans
Hyaluronic Acid
Injections, Intra-Articular
Joints
Pronation
Range of Motion, Articular
Supination
Synovial Fluid
Upper Extremity
Collagen
Elastin
Hyaluronic Acid