Question
I have a low cartilidge level in my left knee. I sir .i am 76 yrs old and having lot of problem in knee.I am walking wih stick and could not bear pain.My old friends who is in usa told to take hyalgan injection.Sir please guide me what are necessaity measures or test to confirm before taking this medicune.Is this medicine is available in India.
Answer
Hylgan is a synthetic form of hyaluronic acid, the natural lubricant in the knee. The exact mechanism of how it works in the knee is not totally clear– soem believe that it stimualtes the cartilage to grow a little. Hyalgan is given as a weekly injectiion into the knee for 5 weeks. The side effects and risks are minimal, although there is the pain of a weekly joint injection. I think it provides benefit about 50% of the time. It may work better in patients with milder OA (more cartilage), but this is not well studied. I do not if this is available in India but likely can be imported and administered by a local physician.
