Abstract: ObjectiveTo observe the clinical therapeutic effect of intra-articular injection with sodium hyaluronate (SH) on osteoarthritis of the ankle.Methods25 patients with osteoarthritis of the ankles (36 ankles) were treated with SH intra-articular injection 2 ml every week for 5 weeks. The degree of pain, swelling and functional disturbance of the ankles were observed to evaluate the effect.ResultsAfter treatment, the degree of pain, swelling and functional disturbance of the ankles improved (P<0.05～0.01). The total efficiency rate was 91.61%.ConclusionSodium hyaluronate injected intra-articular is an effective, ideal and safe treatment for osteoarthritis of the ankle.

Key words: osteoarthritis, ankle, sodium hyaluronate, intra-articular