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Hyaluronic Acid in Spinal Disorders: A Narrative Review of Hot Spots and Research Perspectives

Articles InPress

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

1 Clinical Research Development Center, Shahid Modarres Educational Hospital, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Research Center, Shohada-e-Tajrish Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

3 Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

10.30476/ijms.2025.107196.4155

Abstract

Hyaluronic acid (HA), a cell behavior modulator with anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties, is a member of the glycosaminoglycan family. In orthopedics, HA has been utilized for its chondroprotective, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and cushioning effects, owing to its extreme lubricity and hydrophilicity. HA has been investigated for various diagnostic and therapeutic applications in spinal diseases. 
This narrative review aimed to clarify that HA may serve as a biomarker in spinal diseases and as a therapeutic agent in several applications, such as tissue engineering for intervertebral disc degeneration, management of spinal pain, prevention of postoperative epidural fibrosis, and minimally invasive treatment of vertebral compression fractures. 
Although the efficacy of HA as a viable alternative or adjunct to existing therapies for various spinal conditions has been investigated, further experimental and clinical studies are required to explore regulatory considerations, refine clinical applications, and develop potential interdisciplinary management strategies before general recommendations can be established.

Highlights

Seyed Ahmad, Raeissadat (Google Scholar)
Elahe Keshavarzi (Google Scholar)

Keywords

References
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Iranian Journal of Medical Sciences

Articles InPress, Corrected Proof
Available Online from 18 August 2026
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History
  • Received: 25 May 2025
  • Revised: 29 September 2025
  • Accepted: 22 November 2025
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