Role of hyaluronic acid in the treatment of osteoarthritis and rationale for its combination with dexibuprofen

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a natural polysaccharide that is also industrially produced for medical and cosmetic uses. In orthopedics, HA is primarily utilized for intra-articular injections in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) to preserve joint health. This review elucidates the characteristics of HA and its role in OA treatment, focusing on the innovative conceptual frameworks that classify OA according to its heterogeneous pathophysiology. Furthermore, it discusses the rationale behind the combination therapy of HA and dexibuprofen, which is the more potent enantiomer of ibuprofen. As research continues to deepen our knowledge of joint diseases, tailored treatment regimens can be developed to meet the varied needs of OA phenotypes.