OBJECTIVE: To review the recent advances of hyaluronic acid and its derivatives in medical application. METHODS: Recent original articles related to hyaluronan derivatives and their medical applications were retrieved extensively. RESULTS: Hyaluronic acid and its derivatives play important roles in visosurgery, arthritis therapy, prevention of adhesion, drug delivery, soft-tissue dilation, and percutaneous embolization. CONCLUSION: Development of hyaluronan derivatives may widen their medical application.
