Clinical outcomes of hyaluronic acid-sorbitol injection in athletes with patellofemoral pain: Evaluation of the potential influence of body mass index.
PLoS OneSep 30, 2026 (epub)
Clinical ResearchOrthopedic Surgery
Julio Carlos Vélez de Lachica, Susana Serrano, Eduard Vidovic et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
In 30 seconds
This prospective clinical trial evaluated the effects of a single 4 mL hyaluronic acid-sorbitol injection on knee function in 60 athletes aged 30-55 with patellofemoral pain (PFP) over 6 months. Significant improvements were observed, with IKDC scores increasing by +18.58 points and KOOS scores by +19.28 points (both p < 0.001).
Key findings
- IKDC scores improved by +18.58 points from baseline to 6 months (95% CI 16.81-20.36).
- KOOS scores increased by +19.28 points over the same period (95% CI 17.52-21.04).
- 75.0% of participants achieved clinically meaningful improvement in IKDC scores at 6 months.
- 83.3% reached the KOOS threshold for clinically meaningful improvement.
Why it matters
The study highlights the potential benefits of hyaluronic acid-sorbitol injections for improving knee function in athletes with PFP, including those with elevated BMI, which may influence treatment decisions in this population.