This study aimed to provide evidence for understanding how to treat osteoarthritis (OA) in our country. Therefore, it was necessary to match information and investigations related to the treatment of the disease from the three main types of specialists involved: physiatrists, orthopedists and rheumatologists. The authors acted as a scientific advisory committee. From the initial discussions, a structured questionnaire was developed for use with a group of specialists on OA using the Delphi technique. The questionnaire was sent to 21 experts appointed by the authors, and the results obtained were critically analyzed and validated. The prevalence of OA was 33% in Brazil, corresponding to one-third of the individuals in the reference population, which included individuals over 25 years of age. Another significant finding was that most patients did not receive any form of treatment in the early stages of OA. The committee pointed to the need for early intervention and that the available medicinal resources can fulfil this important role, as is the case with SYSADOA treatments. Glucosamine-based medicinal products with or without chondroitin could also fulfill this need for early treatment. The other generated evidence and included investigations were then grouped together and are the subject of this publication.

Objective: To verify whether the use of Hylan G-F20 improves saline lavage and triamcinolone injection results in the treatment of hip osteoarthritis (HOA). Methods: 82 patients with HOA categorized as grades II and III severity, according to Kellgren and Lawrence criteria, were randomized into the groups: lavage and triamcinolone (G0); lavage, triamcinolone, and 2 mL of hylan G-F20 (G1); lavage, triamcinolone, and 4mL of hylan G-F20 (G2); lavage, triamcinolone, and 6mL of hylan G-F20 (G3). The VAS, range of motion (ROM), WOMAC, and Lequesne questionnaires were administered at baseline, one, three, six, and twelve months post-injection. Results: All groups showed clinically relevant improvements (> 20%) between baseline and first month post-injection, maintaining subjective results throughout the study period (p < 0.001). We found no differences between groups in any subjective evaluations (p > 0.05, for all). G2 and G3 obtained improved flexion results up to a year (p = 0.028). Hylan groups presented an improved external rotation since the first postoperative month and maintained the results up to a year (G1, p = 0.041; G2, p = 0.007), whereas G0 showed no improvement (p = 0.336). Conclusion: Hip lavage and triamcinolone injection, with or without the use of hylan, improves pain, function, and quality of life up to a year in HOA. Hylan may improve ROM up to one year. Level of Evidence IB, Randomized clinical trial.

Objective: The aim of this consensus statement on viscosupplementation is to serve as a reference document based on relevant literature and clinical experience in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis using an intra-articular injection of hyaluronic acid, covering key aspects such as clinical indications, effectiveness, and tolerability. Methods: A multidisciplinary panel including two sports medicine physicians, six orthopedists, four physiatrists, and two rheumatologists were selected based on their clinical and academic experience of viscosupplementation. Sixteen statements were prepared and discussed, after which a vote was held. Each member of the panel gave a score between 0 and 10 on a Likert scale, specifying their level of agreement with the statement. Results: The panel reached a consensus on several issues. Specifically, the panel agreed that the best indication is for mild to moderate knee arthrosis; prior or concomitant use of intraarticular triamcinolone hexacetonide may optimize the effect of hyaluronic acid; viscosupplementation should not be performed as an isolated procedure but in conjunction with other rehabilitative and pharmacological measures; viscosupplementation has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and chondroprotective effects; and viscosupplementation is cost-effective. Conclusion: This consensus statement provides clear information and guidance for both individuals and payers. Level of evidence V, Consensus statement.

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a viral respiratory disease that spreads rapidly, reaching pandemic status, causing the collapse of numerous health systems, and a strong economic and social impact. The treatment so far has not been well established and there are several clinical trials testing known drugs that have antiviral activity, due to the urgency that the global situation imposes. Drugs with specific mechanisms of action can take years to be discovered, while vaccines may also take a long time to be widely distributed while new virus variants emerge. Thus, drug repositioning has been shown to be a good strategy for defining new therapeutic approaches. Studies of the effect of enriched heparin in the replication of severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in vitro assays justify the advance for clinical tests. Methods and analysis: A phase I/II triple-blind parallel clinical trial will be conducted. Fifty participants with radiological diagnosis of grade IIA pneumonia will be selected, which will be allocated in 2 arms. Participants allocated in Group 1 (placebo) will receive nebulized 0.9% saline. Participants allocated in Group 2 (intervention) will receive nebulized enriched heparin (2.5 mg/mL 0.9% saline). Both groups will receive the respective solutions on a 4/4 hour basis, for 7 days. The main outcomes of interest will be safety (absence of serious adverse events) and efficacy (measured by the viral load). Protocols will be filled on a daily basis, ranging from day 0 (diagnosis) until day 8.

Viscosupplementation with intra-articular hyaluronic acid (HA) is a key therapeutic option for osteoarthritis (OA), yet the field is hampered by clinical controversies and an outdated classification of available products. This comprehensive review critically analyzes the current landscape, moving from a mechanical to a biological paradigm of HA’s mechanism of action. We argue that the traditional HA product classification based solely on molecular weight is insufficient, as it conflates chemically distinct products. Therefore, we propose a new, two-tiered classification framework: the primary distinction is based on chemical structure, separating linear (non-modified) HA from cross-linked (chemically modified) HA. Linear HA is then sub-classified by molecular weight (Low, Intermediate, and High), while cross-linked HA is defined as a separate category of hydrogels with a ultra-high effective molecular weight. Within this clearer framework, we analyze the central controversy between formulations, highlighting the pivotal emergence of high-concentration, high-molecular-weight (>2 million Dalton) linear HA. These formulations not only challenge the durability rationale for cross-linking by providing year-long efficacy but also possess a superior biological profile for chondroprotection, preserving chondrocyte viability and function. Furthermore, we explore the expanding frontier of combination therapies, where linear HA serves as the ideal physiological scaffold for agents like corticosteroids, PRP and other injectable orthobiologics such as bone marrow aspirate and stromal vascular fraction.

Objective: This study aims to establish the current panorama of the anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery in Brazil. Methods: A survey that consisted of a 24-item questionnaire including surgeon's demographics, preferred technique, graft selection, graft positioning, use of braces, drains, antibiotic prophylaxis and most common complications was conducted at the last three editions of a national knee surgery event. Results: Six hundred eight questionnaires were analyzed. Brazilian knee surgeons are mostly male, with mean age of 42 years (26-68) and are affiliated to at least one orthopedic society. Thirty-six percent (36%) perform more than 50 reconstructions per year. The preferred graft is the hamstring tendons graft (64%). The frequency of use of anatomical technique increased approximately from 55% from 2011 to 2013, to 85.5% in 2015 (p<0.001). From 2011 to 2015, there was a progressive reduction from 56.8% to 18.1% in the frequency of use of transtibial femoral tunnel drilling (p<0.001). Conclusion: Our findings show that Brazilian knee surgeons’ preferences are evolving according to the current world practice. Level of Evidence V, Economic and Decision analysis study.