Background and importance In April 2020, the protocol for the use of intra-articular injections was updated within a multidisciplinary context with Pharmacy, Traumatology and Rehabilitation. Sodium hilauronate 60 mg/4 ml (Hyalone, high molecular weight) was included. According to the new protocol, the use of Adant One (low molecular weight hyaluronic acid) was approved for grades I-II according to the Kellgren–Lawrence index (IKL) or III-IV in cases where Hyalone is not tolerated due to pain. Hyalone was indicated for IKL grades II-III-IV.

Aim and objectives To evaluate the healthcare and economic impact of the incorporation of a new presentation of hyaluronic acid in the intra-articular infiltration protocol of a regional hospital.

Material and methods Retrospective observational study and economic analysis of drugs used in intra-articular infiltration, comparing a period (period 1) prior to the update of the protocol (April 2019–April 2020), with another period (period 2) 1 year after the implementation of the protocol (April 2020–April 2021). Data were obtained from the electronic prescription program (number of patients, number of dispensations as well as cost per drug and total cost).

Results The data obtained are given in Table 1.

In period 1, the Rehabilitation Service was the service that performed the most infiltrations (52.5% of the total patients treated with Adant One) and 92.85% of the total patients treated with Adant. In period 2, Adant One was used in a similar way. In the case of Hyalone, 96.77% was used by the Rehabilitation Service.

Conclusion and relevance The introduction of the new presentation of hyaluronic acid allowed a better individualisation of the treatment of intra-articular infiltrations and did not lead to a noticeable cost increase.

Conflict of interest No conflict of interest