Hyaluronate
The salt form of hyaluronic acid (HA), used in viscosupplementation injections for knee osteoarthritis. Sodium hyaluronate is the active ingredient in gel injection brands like Hyalgan, Supartz FX, and Euflexxa.
Extended Definition
Hyaluronate (also called sodium hyaluronate) is the ionized, salt form of hyaluronic acid — the naturally occurring polysaccharide found in high concentrations in joint fluid, connective tissue, and the eye. In clinical and pharmaceutical contexts, the terms hyaluronate and hyaluronic acid are often used interchangeably.
When doctors or pharmacists refer to a hyaluronate injection, they mean a viscosupplementation procedure where sodium hyaluronate gel is injected directly into an arthritic joint. This is the same treatment patients may hear called:
- Gel injections
- Gel shots
- HA injections
- Viscosupplementation
- Visco gel injections
Clinical Use in Osteoarthritis
In osteoarthritic joints, the natural hyaluronic acid in synovial fluid degrades, reducing lubrication and shock absorption. Hyaluronate injections replace this lost fluid quality, supplementing the joint’s protective properties. The FDA has approved sodium hyaluronate injections for knee osteoarthritis since 1997, and they are covered by Medicare Part B.
Hyaluronate vs. Hyaluronic Acid
Chemically, hyaluronate is the deprotonated (salt) form of hyaluronic acid. In aqueous solution at physiological pH, hyaluronic acid exists predominantly as hyaluronate. For practical purposes, both terms describe the same active substance in joint injections.
Brand names containing sodium hyaluronate: Hyalgan, Supartz FX, Euflexxa, Orthovisc, Monovisc, Durolane, Synvisc-One, Gel-One
Related Terms
More Treatments Terms
View allCorticosteroid
A powerful anti-inflammatory medication similar to cortisol (a hormone naturally produced by the body) that can be injected into joints to quickly reduce swelling and pain.
Hyaluronic Acid
A naturally occurring substance found in synovial fluid that gives it its thick, gel-like consistency and lubricating properties. Also used as an injection treatment for joint pain.
Molecular Weight
The size of a molecule measured in daltons. In hyaluronic acid products, molecular weight affects how thick and long-lasting the injection is, with higher molecular weight typically providing longer relief.
NSAID
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug - a type of medication that reduces pain, inflammation, and fever by blocking enzymes that produce inflammatory chemicals in the body.
Nerve Block
An injection of anesthetic near specific nerves to temporarily block pain signals. Used for diagnosis, pain relief, or before surgery. Effects last hours to months depending on medication used.