Introduction: Knee Osteoarthritis as a Growing Burden in the Middle East
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most prevalent degenerative musculoskeletal diseases worldwide and represents a rapidly increasing healthcare burden in Middle Eastern countries, including Iran. Epidemiological data show that knee OA affects approximately 30–40% of individuals aged 60–70 years, with incidence continuing to rise due to aging populations, obesity, and post-traumatic joint damage. Women over 50 years of age are disproportionately affected, both in severity and multi-joint involvement.
As healthcare systems in Iran seek cost-effective, non-surgical interventions to delay total knee replacement (TKR), viscosupplementation with intra-articular sodium hyaluronate has become an essential therapeutic option for orthopedic clinics and rehabilitation centers.
Pathophysiology of Knee OA and the Rationale for Hyaluronic Acid Therapy
Healthy articular cartilage relies on synovial fluid rich in hyaluronic acid (HA) to provide lubrication, shock absorption, and nutrient diffusion. In osteoarthritic joints, both the concentration and molecular weight of endogenous HA decrease, leading to reduced viscoelasticity, increased friction, inflammation, and progressive cartilage degradation.
Hyaluronic acid injections aim to:
Restore synovial fluid viscoelastic properties
Reduce mechanical stress within the joint
Modulate inflammatory mediators
Support chondrocyte metabolism and cartilage preservation
Clinical and biomechanical studies demonstrate that high-molecular-weight HA (≥1.6–1.8 million Daltons) offers superior lubrication and longer intra-articular residence time compared with low-molecular-weight formulations.
Clinical Evidence: How Effective Is Viscosupplementation?
Multiple clinical studies confirm that intra-articular HA injections provide statistically significant improvements in pain and joint function, particularly in mild to moderate knee OA (Kellgren–Lawrence grade I–III).
Key findings from published literature and clinical practice include:
Pain reduction of 30–50% measured by WOMAC and VAS scores within 4–8 weeks
Functional improvement lasting up to 6 months after a single high-dose injection
Reduced consumption of NSAIDs and analgesics
Delayed progression toward surgical intervention
According to Migliore et al., exogenous HA not only improves lubrication but also inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases, slowing cartilage degeneration.
Quickclean® Medical Sodium Hyaluronate Gel: Clinical Advantages in Real-World Practice
Quickclean® is a bio-fermentation-derived, non-animal sodium hyaluronate gel, specifically developed for intra-articular viscosupplementation in knee OA.
Key Product Advantages
1. High Concentration and Molecular Weight
HA concentration up to 20 mg/ml
Molecular weight ≥ 1.8 million Daltons
This combination recreates the viscoelastic properties of healthy synovial fluid more effectively than standard formulations.
2. Single-Injection Regimen (60 mg / 3 ml)
Unlike multi-injection protocols, Quickclean® 60 mg allows one injection every 6 months, significantly improving:
Patient adherence
Clinic efficiency
Overall treatment cost-effectiveness
3. Proven Clinical Outcomes
In clinical observation:
Over 90% of patients report meaningful pain relief
Adverse reactions occur in only 7–8%, typically mild and transient
Many patients proactively request repeat injections after 6 months, reflecting sustained benefit
4. Excellent Biocompatibility and Safety
Non-animal origin eliminates immunogenic risk
Biodegradable and EP-compliant
Very low incidence of reactive synovitis
Comparison With Other Knee OA Treatment Options
| Treatment Option | Pain Relief | Duration | Safety | Suitability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSAIDs | Moderate | Short-term | GI/CV risks | Symptomatic only |
| Corticosteroid injections | Rapid | 4–6 weeks | Cartilage risk | Acute flare |
| HA viscosupplementation | Moderate–High | Up to 6 months | Excellent | Mild–Moderate OA |
| Total Knee Replacement | Very high | Long-term | Surgical risks | End-stage OA |
For Iranian clinics seeking evidence-based, conservative therapies, HA injections represent an optimal balance between efficacy, safety, and cost control.
Market Outlook: Why Iranian Distributors Are Focusing on Viscosupplementation
The global viscosupplementation market continues to expand due to:
Rising OA prevalence
Patient preference for non-surgical solutions
Advances in HA formulation and cross-linking technologies
In Iran, demand is further driven by:
Growing private orthopedic clinics
Increased sports-related knee injuries in younger populations
Budget sensitivity within healthcare procurement
Products like Quickclean® align well with these market dynamics by offering high efficacy with simplified treatment protocols.
Clinical Application and Post-Injection Management
Quickclean® should be administered by trained physicians using strict aseptic technique. In cases of joint effusion, aspiration is recommended prior to injection. Patients can resume normal activities immediately, avoiding excessive load for 48 hours.
Clinical experience indicates that symptom improvement typically begins within 2–4 weeks, with maximal benefit observed over subsequent months.
If you are an orthopedic distributor, clinic owner, or procurement manager in Iran, now is the time to expand your knee OA treatment portfolio with a clinically validated, high-performance sodium hyaluronate solution.
Contact Singclean® today to request:
Product samples
Clinical documentation
Distributor partnership details
Deliver better outcomes for your patients while strengthening your competitive position in the orthopedic market.