Overview

• The new IGeL-Monitor rates hyaluronic acid injections for knee and hip osteoarthritis as negative, finding no clinically meaningful benefit and noting elevated risks such as joint infections and heart complaints.
• Across 60 reviewed self-pay services, 31 are judged negative, 26 are unclear due to insufficient studies, and only three are rated as tending positive.
• The hyaluron verdict draws on 25 studies with 9,423 knee patients and five studies with 591 hip patients, with typical treatment cycles costing about €220–€300 and sometimes €500 or more.
• Shockwave therapy commonly offered for calcific shoulder and tennis elbow is labeled unclear because evidence is limited and inconsistent.
• The watchdog proposes mandatory independent, science-based information in practices plus a ban on performing IGeL the same day they are offered, with consumer and patient advocates urging stronger transparency.