Purpose: A recent 3-month randomized, open-label controlled trial found that the intra-articular hyaluronic acid injection (GO-ON®) given as a single dose of 5 mL is as effective and safe as three repeated doses of 2.5 mL in patients with knee osteoarthritis. However, the information on the long-term efficacy and economic implications of the single dose regimen is still limited. Hence, this follow-up study was designed to compare the effectiveness and costs of the two regimens 12 months following the treatment. Methods: All the 127 patients, who received either three repeated doses (n ¼ 64) or a single dose (n ¼ 63) of GO-ON in the previous trial, were followed up in month 12 following the treatment. The effectiveness of both the regimens was assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and the mean WOMAC scores were compared with those recorded at the baseline and in month 3. Additionally, the total treatment costs of the two regimens, taking account of both direct and indirect costs, were computed and compared. Results: A total of 125 patients (98.4%) completed the assessment. Despite the reduction of the overall mean WOMAC score from 39.24 to 19.93 (p < 0.001) in the first 3 months following the treatment with GO-ON, no further changes were observed up to month 12 (p > 0.95). In the meantime, the two regimens did not differ in the mean WOMAC scores (p ¼ 0.749) and in the subscale scores for pain (p ¼ 0.970), stiffness (p ¼ 0.526), and physical functioning (p ¼ 0.667) in month 12. The cost for single-dose injection was found to be approximately 30% lower compared to the repeated doses. Conclusion: These findings indicate that the single larger dose of GO-ON is as effective as the repeated doses over 12 months, and yet the total treatment cost is lowered.

Dental malocclusion can affect the psychological and social aspects of adolescents. However, the knowledge of this condition has been limited in the Malaysian population. This study aims to explore the psychosocial impacts of dental malocclusion among adolescents in Kedah state, Malaysia. A qualitative study was conducted at two public specialized dental clinics. Focus group discussion (FGD) and in-depth interview (IDI) were conducted among adolescents aged between 11 and 19 years, who received orthodontic treatment for moderate to severe dental malocclusion. All the FGD and IDI sessions were video-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and translated into English. The thematic analysis method was used for the data analysis. A total of 32 adolescents participated in six sessions of FGD and five sessions of IDI. Four themes emerged from the data analysis: (i) pressure to seek treatment, (ii) negative feelings about one’s dentofacial image, (iii) negative influences on interpersonal relationship, and (iv) negative impacts on school performance. The findings indicate that adolescents with dental malocclusion had been receiving pressure from different parties and generally had low self-esteem, which eventually affected their relationship with family and friends and their involvement in school activities. Therefore, public education and interdisciplinary collaboration to address their psychosocial needs are required.