打軟骨針 - Hyalgan 要幾多錢一支，想問有效嗎？

美國骨科醫學會病人教育網頁http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/fact/thr_report.cfm?Thread_ID=245&topcategory=Arthritis:

Treatment
The first line of treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee aims to relieve pain. Normally, pain relievers such as ibuprofen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used, along with physical therapy, applications of a topical analgesic and injections of a corticosteroid. However, some people have a reaction to NSAIDs and these agents usually bring only temporary relief. When conservative measures fail, surgery, perhaps even to replace the joint, may be required.

Viscosupplementation has been shown to relieve pain in many patients who did not get relief from nonmedicinal measures or analgesic drugs. The technique has been used in Europe and Asia for several years, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration did not approve it until 1997, and then only for treating osteoarthritis of the knee. Two preparations of hyaluronic acid are available-a natural product made from rooster combs, and an artificial one manufactured from bacterial cultures. If you are allergic to egg or poultry products, the manufactured product should be used.

If there is any swelling (effusion) in the knee, your physician will remove (aspirate) the excess fluids before injecting the hyaluronic acid. Usually, this can be done at the same time, with only one needle injected into the joint, although some doctors may prefer to use two separate syringes. Depending on the product used, you will receive 3 to 5 shots over several weeks.

Effects of viscosupplementation
--Immediate effect--
Hyaluronic acid does not have an immediate pain-relieving effect.
You may notice a local reaction, such as pain, warmth, and slight swelling immediately after the shot. These symptoms generally do not last long. You may want to apply an ice pack to help ease them.
For the first 48 hours after the shot, you should avoid excessive weightbearing on the leg, such as standing for long periods, jogging or heavy lifting.
--Longer-term effects--
Over the course of the injections, you may notice that you have less pain in your knee.
Hyaluronic acid does seem to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. The injections may also stimulate the body to produce more of its own hyaluronic acid.
Effects may last for several months.

Viscosupplementation doesn't work for everyone. There's no proof that it will reverse or delay the progress of osteoarthritis. In addition, it's very expensive and clinical trials have not yet proven that it is cost-effective.

以下由本人提供:
Hyalan 即 Hyaluronic acid, 香港大概幾千蚊一針! $120的應是類固醇(Steroid) or 止痛針吧!
簡單呢講, 不是所有人啱用. 沒有証據顯示它可以還原或減慢退化速度, 況且, 昂貴而未有臨床測試去証明它是合乎經濟成效的!
祝身體健康!

(註:本文內容只供參考，無意取代臨床專業醫療諮詢及檢查。如對個人或親友健康產生懷疑，宜及早諮詢醫生，以免耽誤診治。
本人盡力確保內容之準確性及可靠性，唯不會就任何不確或遺漏而承擔責任)

我打過軟骨針,$160一次,有冇效是一個個人