Visual loss following cosmetic facial filler injection / Perda da visão após injeção de preenchimento facial para fins cosméticos

ABSTRACT Facial filler injection for soft-tissue augmentation, wrinkle reduction, and rejuvenation has recently become increasingly popular. This procedure is well accepted and widely performed because of its safety and excellent outcomes. However, complications may occur even in the most skilled hands. A 36-year-old female presented with immediate loss of vision in her right eye following the periocular injection of cosmetic hyaluronic acid facial filler into the glabellar region. The visual loss was accompanied by weakness of her left arm. Blindness may complicate cosmetic facial filler injection. The treating physician should have a firm knowledge of the facial vascular anatomy, and the patient should be aware of the potential blinding complications associated with facial filler injection.

RESUMO A injeção de preenchimento facial para o aumento de tecido mole, redução de rugas e rejuvenescimento tornou-se recentemente3 cada vez mais popular. Este procedimento é bem aceito e amplamente realizado devido à sua segurança e excelentes resultados. Porém, complicações podem ocorrer mesmo nas mãos mais habilidosas. Uma mulher de 36 anos apresentou perda da visão no seu olho direito imediatamente após uma injeção periocular de preenchimento facial à base de ácido hialurônico cosmético na região glabelar. A perda visual foi acompanhada de fraqueza no braço esquerdo. A cegueira pode ser uma complicação da injeção de preenchimento facial para fins cosméticos. O médico deve ter um sólido conhecimento da anatomia vascular da face e o paciente deve estar ciente das possíveis complicações associadas à injeção de preenchimento facial.

Reacción granulomatosa a cuerpo extraño en punta y dorso nasal por materiales de relleno: presentación de un caso clínico y revisión de la literatura / Granulomatous foreign body reaction in tip and nasal dorsum due to filling materials: presentation of a clinical case and review of the literature

RESUMEN Paciente de 29 años con antecedente de tres rinomodelaciones en la punta nasal con ácido hialurónico hace cinco años, evaluada por deseo de mejora estética nasal y obstrucción nasal. Al examen visual se observó una leve giba osteocartilaginosa, punta bulbosa, narinas simétricas, sin laterorrinea, no se palparon masas ni nodulaciones. Posterior al manejo de su rinitis y previo consentimiento informado, al realizar rinoseptoplastía abierta se encontró gran cantidad de tejido granulatorio tipo cuerpo extraño en la punta y dorso nasal lo que obligó a cambiar el plan quirúrgico. La biopsia diferida confirmó granuloma por cuerpo extraño por biopolímero derivado de la silicona. Evolucionó satisfactoriamente estética y funcionalmente. La rinomodelación ha aumentado en los últimos años, aunque no existen rellenos faciales aprobados por la FDA para uso nasal. La correcta utilización de los rellenos nasales continúa siendo un tema controvertido. Los granulomas nasales por cuerpo extraño son complicaciones tardías que se han incrementado con el uso de biopolímeros con dosis y técnicas inadecuadas. El uso de ecotomografía ha contribuido a mejorar la planificación quirúrgica, así como el estudio histológico diferido ha permitido identificar el material utilizado en la mayoría de los casos convirtiéndose en el estándar de oro.

ABSTRACT A 29-year-old patient with a history of three nasal fillings in the nasal tip with hyaluronic acid five years ago, reason for consultation improvement nasal aesthetics and nasal obstruction. Physical examination showed a slight osteocartilaginous hump, bulbous tip, symmetrical nostrils, no deviation nasal pyramid, no masses or nodules were palpated. After the management of his rhinitis and previous informed consent, when performing open rhinoseptoplasty, a large amount of foreign body type granulation tissue was found in the tip and nasal dorsum, which forced the surgical plan to change. The post-surgical biopsy showed foreign body granuloma by biopolymer derived from silicone. Evolved satisfactorily aesthetically and functionally. The use of nasal fillers has increased in recent years, although there are no facial fillers approved by the FDA for nasal use. The correct use of nasal fillers is a controversial issue. Nasal granulomas by foreign body are late complications that have increased with the use of biopolymers with inadequate doses and techniques. The use of ecotomography has contributed to improve the surgical planning; the deferred histological study has allowed to identify the material used in most cases becoming the gold standard

Hyaluronic acid in tobacco-exposed rats. Inflammatory reaction, and duration of effect

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the hyaluronic acid (HA) inflammatory reaction, fibroblasts, fibrosis and duration of effect in the dorsal region of tobacco-exposed rats. Methods: Ten Wistar rats were divided into two groups: tobacco-exposed-group (TEG;n=5) and air-control-group (CG;n=5). The TEG animals were tobacco-exposed twice a day, 30-minutes/session, during 60 days. After this period, all animals received 0.1 mL HA subcutaneous injection in the dorsal area. The volume of HA was measured immediately after HA injection and weekly using a hand-caliper in nine weeks. After this period, all the animals were euthanized, and a specimen of was collected to evaluate inflammatory cells, fibroblasts, and fibrosis by HE. Results: This study showed a higher inflammatory reaction in TEG than CG: inflammatory cell-count (CG: 1.07±0.9; TEG: 8.61±0.36, p<0.001); fibroblast count (CG: 2.92±0.17; TEG: 19.14±0.62, p<0.001), and fibrosis quantification (CG: 2.0; TEG: 3.75, p<0.001). The analysis of the HA volume in nine weeks in the dorsal region did not show a difference between groups (p=0.39). Conclusions: This study suggested that the HA injection in the TEG caused an increase in inflammatory cell count, fibroblast, and fibrosis quantification when compared to the CG. There was no difference in the duration of effect of HA between the groups.

Uso de ácido hialurônico associado com plasma rico em plaquetas na regeneração de defeitos do disco articular e da superfície osteocondral causados pela osteoartrite na ATM / El Abras Ankha MV. Use of hyaluronic acid associated with platelet rich plasma in the regeneration of defects of the articular disc and the osteochondral surface caused by osteoarthritis in the TMJ

Estudos anteriores sugerem que o ácido hialurônico (AH) e o plasma rico em plaquetas (PRP) têm potencial para melhorar o processo de cicatrização da cartilagem e diminuir a progressão da osteoartrite. No entanto, poucas pesquisas avaliam seu efeito sinérgico. Este trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar o efeito do AH associado ao PRP na regeneração do disco articular e da superfície osteocondral da articulação temporomandibular (ATM). A osteoartrite será induzida por meio da perfuração bilateral do disco articular de coelhos. Quarenta coelhos foram divididos em 4 grupos, conforme o procedimento: sem lesão(SL)/sem tratamento(ST) (n=4), lesão(L)/sem tratamento (ST) (n=12), L/AH (n=12), L/AH+PRP (n=12). Quatro coelhos do grupo SL/ST foram eutanasiados no tempo zero. Após 8 e 24 semanas da perfuração dos discos articulares, seis coelhos dos grupos L/ST, L/AH e L/AH+PRP foram eutanasiados. O disco articular foi avaliado radiograficamente para visualizar possíveis calcificações. Foi realizada análise macroscópica e histológica do disco e do côndilo mandibular. Foi utilizada a análise histoquímica por Picrosirius Red para avaliar a presença de colágeno I e III e a análise imuno-histoquímica do colágeno I e II. As porcentagens de marcação obtidas nas análises histoquímica e imunohistoquímica foram avaliadas estatisticamente, adotando-se o nível de significância de 5%. Macroscopicamente, o disco articular nos grupos tratados apresentou, na maioria dos espécimes, preenchimento parcial ou total do defeito criado. Os côndilos apresentaram, na maioria dos espécimes, irregularidade da superfície osteocondral. Radiograficamente, após 24 semanas da perfuração do disco, focos de radiopacidade foram observados nos grupos não tratados e em alguns dos espécimes dos tratados. Na análise histológica foi confirmada a presença de material mineralizado, próximo e distante da perfuração, além de diminuição da celularidade e fibrose. Na análise histoquímica, a porcentagem de colágeno I prevaleceu com relação ao colágeno III, tanto no disco quanto no côndilo, independentemente do grupo e período avaliado. Entretanto, no disco não houve diferença estatística significativa. No côndilo, L/AH e L/AH+PRP nos períodos de 8 e 24 semanas apresentaram uma porcentagem de colágeno I significativamente maior que L/ST (p<0,05). A expressão imuno-histoquímica de colágeno I e II no disco não apresentou diferença estatística significante. No côndilo, a expressão do colágeno I apresentou diferença significativa entre os 9 grupos (p=0,00) e os períodos (p=0,05). O grupo L/AH+PRP de 24 semanas apresentou maior porcentagem de marcação positiva para colágeno I, que era diferente dos grupos SL/ST e L/ST, porém sem diferença estatística com relação ao L/AH. Em conclusão, os tratamentos da osteoartrite com AH ou PRP associado ao AH mostram resultados promissores, ajudando na redução do defeito criado no disco, porém, sem resultados satisfatórios como protetores da superfície osteocondral, na presença de perfuração disca(AU)

Previous studies have suggested that hyaluronic acid (HA) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) have the potential to improve the healing process of cartilage and decrease the progression of osteoarthritis. However, few studies have evaluated their synergistic effect. This study aims at evaluating the effect of HA associated with PRP on the regeneration of the articular disc and the osteochondral surface of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Osteoarthritis was induced by means of bilateral perforation of the articular disc of rabbits. Forty rabbits were divided into 4 groups, according to the procedure: without lesion (WL)/without treatment (WT) (n = 4), lesion (L)/without treatment (WT) (n = 12), L/HA (n = 12), L/ HA+PRP (n = 12). Four rabbits from group G1 were euthanized at time zero. After 8 and 24 weeks of joint disc perforation, six rabbits from groups L/WT, L/HA and L/HA+PRP were euthanized. The articular disc was evaluated radiographically to visualize possible calcifications. Macroscopic and histological analysis of the disc and the mandibular condyle were performed. The histochemical analysis by Picrosirius Red was used to evaluate the presence of collagen I and III, as well as the immunohistochemical analysis was used to evaluate the expression of collagen I and II. The percentages of staining obtained from the histochemical and immunohistochemical analysis were statistically evaluated, adopting the significance level of 5%. Macroscopically, the articular disc in the treated groups presented in most of the specimens partial or total filling of the defect created. The condyles presented, in most of the specimens, degeneration of the osteochondral surface. Radiographically, after 24 weeks of disc perforation, foci of radiopacity were observed in the untreated and in some of the specimens of treated groups. Histological analysis confirmed the presence of mineralized material, close and distant to perforation, as well as decreased cellularity and fibrosis. In the histochemical analysis, the percentage of collagen I prevailed in both disc and condyle, independently of the group and period evaluated. However, in the disc there was not statistical difference. In the condyle, L/HA and L/HA+PRP in the periods of 8 and 24 weeks presented a percentage of collagen I significantly higher than L/WT (p <0.05). The expression of collagen I and II in the disc did not present significant statistical difference. In the condyle, the expression of collagen I was statistically different between the groups (p = 0.00) and the periods (p = 0.05). The 24-week L/HA+PRP group had a higher 11 percentage of positive marking for collagen I, which was different from the WL/WT and L/WT groups, but with no statistical difference with respect to L/HA. In conclusion, the treatment of osteoarthritis with HA or PRP associated with HA shows promising results, helping to reduce the defect created in the disc, but without satisfactory results as protectors of the osteochondral surface, in the presence of perforation of the disc(AU)

Estudio clínico de eficacia, duración y efectos adversos del implante de ácido hialurónico en área buco-maxilo-facial / Clinical study of the efficacy, duration and adverse effects of hyaluronic acid implants in the oral-maxillofacial area

Ensayo Clínico observacional y descriptivo, longitudinal y prospectivo de 22 meses de duración, en 40 pacientes de Facultad Odontología. UDELAR. Objetivo: Valorar eficacia, duración y efectos adversos del implante de Ácido Hialurónico (A.H) realizado en surcos nasolabiales. (SNL) Metodología: Ensayo clínico con implantación de A.H en la dermis media de SNL marcados, grado 2 al 5 en la escala diagnóstica WSRS. Se obtuvieron y clasificaron registros clínico-fotográficos de cada caso, pre y post-aplicación por 12 meses utilizando las escalas WSRS, GAIS y PSSS. Resultados: expresados en tiempos, porcentajes y gráficos. Eficacia: muy buena =100 % casos Duración media clínica efectiva: 10,5 meses Efectos adversos al producto: cero % Calificación de los pacientes: Bueno a Muy Bueno. Conclusión: el AH inyectable a nivel dérmico (TEOSYAL Deep Lines ® ), es EFICAZ para corregir SNL. DURACION promedio 10,5 meses con efecto "caída lento". REACCIONES ADVERSAS: cero.

Abstract: Clinical, observational and descriptive, longitudinal and prospective study lasting 22 months conducted on 40 patients treated at the School of Dentistry, Universidad de la República. Objective: To assess the efficacy, duration and adverse effects of hyaluronic acid (HA) implants for nasolabial grooves (NLG). Methodology: Clinical study of HA implantation in the mid-dermis in cases of deep NLG, grades 2 to 5 in the Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale (WSRS). Clinical and photographic records of each case were obtained and classified pre and post-application for 12 months using the WSRS, GAIS and PSSS scales. Results: expressed in times, percentages and graphs. Efficacy: very good = 100% cases. Mean effective clinical duration: 10.5 months. Adverse effects to the product: none. Patient rating: Good to very good. Conclusion: dermal injectable HA (TEOSYAL Deep Lines®) is effective to correct deep NLG. Average duration of 10.5 months with a "slow fall". Adverse reactions: none.

Effects of hyaluronic acid on bleeding following third molar extraction

Abstract Objective To explore the effects of hyaluronic acid (HA) on bleeding and associated outcomes after third molar extraction. Methods Forty patients who had undergone molar extraction were randomly divided into two groups; 0.8% (w/v) HA was applied to the HA group (n=20) whereas a control group (n=20) was not treated. Salivary and gingival tissue factor (TF) levels, bleeding time, maximum interincisal opening (MIO), pain scored on a visual analog scale (VAS), and the swelling extent were compared between the two groups. Results HA did not significantly affect gingival TF levels. Salivary TF levels increased significantly 1 week after HA application but not in the control group. Neither the VAS pain level nor MIO differed significantly between the two groups. The swelling extent on day 3 and the bleeding time were greater in the HA group than in the control group. Conclusions Local injection of HA at 0.8% prolonged the bleeding time, and increased hemorrhage and swelling in the early postoperative period after third molar extractions.

A Phase III, Randomized, Double-Blind, Matched-Pairs, Active-Controlled Clinical Trial and Preclinical Animal Study to Compare the Durability, Efficacy and Safety between Polynucleotide Filler and Hyaluronic Acid Filler in the Correction of Crow's Feet: A

The Rejuran(R) is a new filler product made from purified polynucleotides. Here we present data from an animal study and a clinical trial to examine the durability, efficacy and safety of the Rejuran(R) on crow's feet. For the animal study, 25 mice were divided into three groups: Group 1 received phosphate buffered saline (PBS); Group 2 were treated with Yvoire(R); and Group 3 were treated with Rejuran(R). The durability and efficacy of each treatment were assessed by microscopy and staining. In the clinical trial, 72 patients were randomized to receive Rejuran(R) treatment for crow's feet on one side and Yvoire-Hydro(R) on the contralateral side, at a ratio of 1:1. Repeated treatments were performed every two weeks for a total of three times, over a total of 12 weeks' observation. All injections and observations of efficacy and safety were performed by the same two investigators. In the animal study, the Rejuran(R) group showed similar durability and inflammatory response to the Yvoire(R) group. Upon efficacy assessment, the Rejuran(R) group showed the greatest elasticity and collagen composition, and a significant difference in skin surface roughness and wrinkle depth. In the clinical trial, the primary and secondary objective efficacy outcome measure showed no statistical significance between the two groups, and in safety outcomes there were no unexpected adverse effects. Our data suggest that the Rejuran(R), as a new regenerative filler, can be useful to reduce wrinkles, by showing evidence for its efficacy and safety.

Upper face rejuvenation using botulinum toxin and hyaluronic acid fillers.

The demand for facial rejuvenation is increasing, with each passing day, in all age groups. A number of procedures like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser and light therapies, and minimally invasive procedures like botulinum toxin injections (BTX A) and hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers are being extensively used by the dermatologist and plastic surgeons to meet this growing demand. A good knowledge of use of these techniques is becoming imperative for the dermatologist. In the present article, we discuss in detail the use of botulinum toxin injections and hyaluronic acid fillers for rejuvenation of upper face. Special emphasis has been placed on the complications associated with treatment of each area and on how to manage the same.

Complications of dermal fillers - an experience from Middle-East

Dermal fillers have become exceedingly common globally in recent years for body rejuvenation, but with their widespread use and increasing profitability, cases of complications of dermal fillers are being widely reported. To document the complications related to dermal fillers as managed by the authors while working in different hospitals of Riyadh city. Demographic and clinical data of 47 cases, reporting with complications of dermal fillers over a period of two years from June 2009 to June 2011, were analysed. The complications were categorised by a self designed category system based on management and outcome. 44 females and 3 males, ranging in age from 23 years to 62 years were managed for complications of dermal fillers affecting face, hands, buttocks and external genitalia. 83% of cases had moderate to severe complications, and 51% were unaware of the nature of dermal filler received by them. 20 cases [42.5%] required surgical treatment and interventions under anesthesia. With increased use of dermal fillers, the complications are also being frequently encountered. Dermatologists should be wary of these avoidable untoward effects and their proper management

Tratamento dos sulcos palpebromalar e nasojugal com ácido hialurônico / Treatment of tear trough deformity with hyaluronic acid gel filler

OBJETIVO: Verificar a eficácia do preenchimento dos sulcos nasojugal e palpebromalar deprimidos através da injeção de ácido hialurônico e analisar as complicações observadas. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo piloto, prospectivo, aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da Universidade Federal de São Paulo, com pacientes recrutados no Serviço de Plástica Ocular do Departamento de Oftalmologia da UNIFESP/EPM. Foram selecionados pacientes de ambos os sexos, com idade entre 25 e 60 anos, que apresentavam os sulcos nasojugal e/ou palpebromalar deprimidos, que não haviam sido submetidos à cirurgia na pálpebra inferior nem apresentavam histórico de trauma nesse local. O ácido hialurônico foi aplicado via transcutânea e depositado na região supraperiosteal em pequenos volumes. Todo paciente foi tratado pelo mesmo cirurgião (GAPV), tendo sido examinado no pós-operatório em intervalos regulares e fotografado no pré-operatório, no pós-operatório imediato, na 4ª semana, no 6º e no 12º mês após o procedimento. Ao final deste período todas as fotos foram analisadas por profissional não ligado a esta pesquisa, visando verificar a eficiência da técnica em atingir seus objetivos. RESULTADOS: Entre junho e agosto de 2008, 10 pacientes foram incluídos neste estudo piloto. Oito pacientes foram tratadas uma única vez, enquanto duas precisaram de retoque na 4ª semana após a aplicação inicial. O volume injetado foi em média de 0,61 ml (DP=0,25) no lado direito e de 0,65 ml (DP=0,26) no lado esquerdo. As complicações observadas foram equimose em 6 casos, edema local maior que 48 horas em um paciente e lesão cutânea semelhante à acne em um participante. CONCLUSÕES: O estudo piloto demonstrou que o tratamento dos sulcos nasojugal e pálpebro-malar com uso de ácido hialurônico se mostrou eficaz e previsível, com alto nível de satisfação dos pacientes e com resultado duradouro.

BACKGROUND: Volume loss and muscular hyperactivity are two major components of the aging process that contribute to the formation of the folds and wrinkles. Tear trough deformity is one of the most difficult depressions to correct surgically. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of ten patients submitted to periorbital filling with hyaluronic acid gel filler. METHODS: Between June and August, 2008, 10 patients have had their tears troughs treated with hyaluronic acid gel filler. The filler was introduced by a serial puncture technique and approximately 0.1 ml was injected at each pass. The filler was placed in the pre-periosteal tissue. Patients photographs before and after the procedure were reviewed to assess the outcomes. RESULTS: The mean volume per side needed to achieve correction was on the right side 0.61 ml (SD=0.25) and on the left side 0.65 ml (SD=0.26). The most common complications were bruising, erythema, local swelling, and pain at the injection site. The effect of treatment lasted up to 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study showed that the treatment of tear trough deformity with hyaluronic acid gel filler was feasible, predictable and effective. All patients were very satisfied with their results.

Effectiveness of Subacromial Anti-Adhesive Agent Injection after Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: Prospective Randomized Comparison Study

BACKGROUND: Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair generally has a good clinical outcome but shoulder stiffness after surgery due to subacromial adhesion is one of the most common and clinically important complications. Sodium hyaluronate (HA) has been reported to be an anti-adhesive agent in a range of surgical procedures. However, there are few reports of the outcomes of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair of the shoulder. This study examined whether a subacromial injection of HA/carboxymethylated cellulose (CMC) affected the postoperative shoulder stiffness and healing of rotator cuff repair, as well as the safety of an injection. METHODS: Between January 2008 and May 2008, 80 consecutive patients with arthroscopic rotator cuff repair were enrolled. The patients were assigned randomly to the HA/CMC injection group (n = 40) or control group (n = 40). All patients were evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, passive range of motion at 2, 6 weeks, 3, 6, 12 months after surgery, and the functional scores at 6, 12 months postoperatively. Cuff healing was also evaluated using CT arthrography or ultrasonography at 6 or 12 months after surgery. RESULTS: The HA/CMC injection group showed faster recovery of forward flexion at 2 weeks postoperatively than the control group but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.09). There were no significant difference in pain VAS, internal rotation, external rotation and functional scores between two groups at each follow-up period. The functional scores improved 6 months after surgery in both groups but there were no differences between the two groups. The incidence of unhealed rotator cuff was similar in the two groups. There were no complications related to an injection of anti-adhesive agents including wound problems or infections. CONCLUSIONS: A subacromial injection of an anti-adhesive agent after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair tended to produce faster recovery in forward flexion with no adverse effects on cuff healing. However, its anti-adhesive effects after rotator cuff repair should be considered carefully with further studies.

Effects of chondroitin sulfate and sodium hyaluronate on chondrocytes and extracellular matrix of articular cartilage in dogs with degenerative joint disease / Efeitos do sulfato de condroitina e do hialuronato de sódio nos condrócitos e na matriz extracelular na cartilagem articular de cães com doença articular degenerativa

Samples of articular cartilage of femur, tibia and patella of 15 dogs with experimentally induced degenerative joint disease (DJD) were microscopically analyzed. Animals were distributed into three groups (n=5): the control group received no medication; the second group was treated with chondroitin sulfate and the third received sodium hyaluronate. Samples were processed and stained with HE and toluidine blue for morphological evaluation. The metabolic and proliferative activity of the chondrocytes was evaluated by the measurement of nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) after impregnation by silver nitrate. Significant differences were not observed (P>0.05) in the morphology among the groups, however, the group treated with sodium hyaluronate had a higher score suggesting a trend to a greater severity of the lesions. Significant differences were not observed (P>0.05) in the measurement of NORs, cells and NORs/cells among the groups. Although differences were not significant, sodium hyaluronate group showed higher NOR and cell counts which suggested an increase of the proliferation rate of chondrocytes. In addition, a higher NOR/cell ratio in the group treated with chondroitin sulfate suggested that this drug may have stimulated the metabolic activity of the chondrocytes, minimizing the lesions resulting from DJD.

Foram utilizadas amostras de cartilagem articular do fêmur, tíbia e patela de 15 cães com doença articular degenerativa (DAD), induzida experimentalmente. Foram constituídos três grupos de cinco animais: grupo 1 - controle, não medicado; grupo 2 - tratado com sulfato de condroitina e grupo 3 - tratado com hialuronato de sódio. As amostras foram processadas e coradas pelas técnicas de HE e de azul de toluidina para avaliação das alterações morfológicas, e impregnadas pelo nitrato de prata para análise da atividade metabólica e/ou proliferativa dos condrócitos, por meio da visualização e quantificação de regiões organizadoras do nucléolo (NORs). Não foram notadas diferenças significativas (P<0,05) na avaliação morfológica entre os grupos. O grupo tratado com hialuronato obteve maior escore sugerindo maior gravidade das lesões. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas (P>0,05) na contagem de NORs, células e NORs/célula entre os grupos. As maiores contagens de NORs e de células no grupo tratado com hialuronato de sódio sugeriram aumento da taxa de proliferação dos condrócitos. A maior relação de NORs/célula obtida no grupo tratado com sulfato de condroitina sugere que essa droga estimula a atividade metabólica do condrócito, minimizando as lesões ocorridas durante a DAD.