Intra-articular injection of chitosan combined with low-dose glucocorticoid for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis in early and middle stages

This study explores the clinical efficacy of intra-articular injection of chitosan combined with low-dose glucocorticoid for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis in early and middle stages. The visual analog scale (VAS) score, Lysholm score, Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score, and changes in the levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α in the joint fluid before and after treatment in the 3 groups were compared, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated. All cases were followed up, with a follow-up time of 7 to 12 months, and no lost cases. The horizontal comparison showed that the VAS score, Lysholm score, HSS score, and levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α in the joint fluid after treatment in each group were better than before treatment, and the difference was statistically significant (P < .05). The longitudinal comparison showed that there was no significant difference in VAS score, Lysholm score, HSS score and levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α in synovial fluid among the 3 groups before treatment (P > .05); However, after treatment, there were significant differences among the 3 groups (P < .05), group C was better than group A and group B, group B was better than group A, and the differences were statistically significant (P < .05). The difference in clinical efficacy among the 3 groups was statistically significant (P < .05). The clinical efficacy of chitosan combined with low-dose glucocorticoid intra-articular injection in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis in early and middle stages is significant, with the characteristics of small trauma, rapid onset, and lasting efficacy, and it avoids the adverse reactions of topical or oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. As a first-line treatment option, it is recommended for promotion and use in clinical practice.