Combining ultrasound-guided hyaluronic acid injections, high-power laser therapy, and rehabilitation for hip osteoarthritis

Efficacy of a Combination of Ultrasound-guided Intra-articular Injections of Hyaluronic Acid, High-power Laser Therapy and Rehabilitation on Functioning in Patients Affected by Hip Osteoarthritis: a Randomized Controlled Trial

NA · University of Catanzaro · NCT07108400

This trial will test whether adding high-power laser therapy to ultrasound-guided hyaluronic acid injections and physiotherapy improves pain and hip function in adults with stage 1–3 hip osteoarthritis and BMI under 30.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment57 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Catanzaro (other)
Locations2 sites (Catanzaro, CZ and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT07108400 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized, double-blind controlled trial enrolled 57 adults with Kellgren-Lawrence stage 1–3 hip osteoarthritis, pain ≥4/10, and BMI <30 at the University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro. Participants were randomly assigned to receive ultrasound-guided hyaluronic acid injections plus active high-power laser therapy and rehabilitation, or the same care with a sham laser intervention. The primary outcome was the Harris Hip Score, with secondary outcomes including the Numeric Rating Scale for pain, EQ-5D quality-of-life, and the 6-minute walk test, measured at baseline, post-treatment, and at 3, 6, and 12 months. Blinding of patients and assessors and repeated follow-up allowed comparison of function, pain, and physical performance over one year.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults over 18 with stage 1–3 hip osteoarthritis, hip pain ≥4/10, BMI under 30, and who can suspend interfering medications and therapies are the intended participants.

Not a fit: Those with severe (stage 4) hip osteoarthritis, BMI ≥30, inflammatory arthritis, cognitive impairment (MMSE <24), or who cannot stop interfering medications are unlikely to match the study population and may not benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the combined treatment could reduce hip pain and improve walking ability and overall hip function for people with mild-to-moderate hip osteoarthritis.

How similar studies have performed: High-power laser therapy and hyaluronic acid injections individually have shown benefits for pain or function in musculoskeletal and osteoarthritis contexts, but randomized data on this specific combination with rehabilitation are limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age over 18 years
* Diagnosis of hip OA (stage ≤ 3 according to the Kellgren and Lawrence classification)
* Hip pain assessed with the Numeric Rating Scale ≥ 4
* Body mass index (BMI) less than 30 kg/m²
* Suspension of anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioids, corticosteroids, muscle relaxants or any other therapy that could interfere with the study assessments.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score \< 24
* Concurrent treatment with an-ti-inflammatory drugs or rehabilitation therapies; Rheumatoid arthritis.

Where this trial is running

Catanzaro, CZ and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Hip Osteoarthritis, lasertherapy, hyaluronic acid, hip osteoarthritis, functioning, rehabilitation, pain

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.