Objectives
Joint-preserving interventions, such as intra-articular viscosupplementation injections, are evolving, requiring efficacy and safety evaluation through an evidence-based approach. This prospective observational study assessed the use of a hyaluronic and corticosteroid-based injection (Cingal™; Anika Therapeutics, Bedford, MA, USA) in improving outcomes for patients aged 40 to 65 with mild to moderate hip osteoarthritis (OA) six months post-injection.

Methods

This prospective observational study included 100 patients receiving a single ultrasound-guided intra-articular injection of Cingal™. The primary outcome was patient-reported hip pain (Visual Analogue Scale, VAS) at six months post-injection. Secondary outcomes included hip function (Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, HOOS), quality of life (Short-Form 12, SF-12), physical activity (wrist-worn activity tracker), range of motion (ROM), pain medication use, and adverse events.

Results

96 patients received the injection; 91 had complete data for primary outcome analysis. Significant improvements were observed in VAS (p<0.001), HOOS (p<0.001), and SF-12 scores (Physical Component Summary, PCS, p=0.005; Mental Component Summary, MCS, p=0.022) from baseline to six months post-injection. Pain medication use decreased from 50.0% to 34.0% (p=0.035). Adverse events were reported in 9.5% of patients: 5 (5.3%) experienced hip pain for less than seven days post-injection, 1 for greater than seven days but less than one month, and 3 (3.2%) underwent hip arthroplasty.

Conclusion

Patients receiving an ultrasound-guided Cingal™ injection for hip OA reported significantly reduced hip pain, improved function and quality of life, and reduced pain medication use at six months. The most common adverse event was transient hip pain.