Hyaluronic acid is a lubricating substance commonly used for knee injections in patients with knee arthritis.

hyaluronic acid injection into the knee
The injection is inserted into the space under the kneecap.

 

Knee lubricant

Hyaluronic acid injections may provide relief for some weeks or months in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. The material is generally derived from the red 'combs' of roosters or chickens, although sometimes it is derived from bacteria. It forms a gel which is similar to the natural lubricant inside the knee joint.

Synonyms: 
hyaluronate

Interpretation by the Editor of a peer-reviewed article in the published medical literature.

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Dr Sheila Strover (Editor)
BSc (Hons), MB BCh, MBA

See biography...