Abstract: The invention provides compositions useful for the treatment and/or prevention of damage to diarthrodial (synovial) joints and, in particular, traumatic synovitis, inflammation of the synovial membrane, and damage to the articular cartilage of the joint. Specifically, provided are compositions specially formulated for intra-articular and/or parenteral use in the treatment and/or prevention of traumaticsynovitis and/or damage to articular cartilage. Compositions adapted specifically for post surgical joint lavage or treatment and/or prevention of inflammatory arthritis, osteoarthritis (OA) and/or degenerative joint disease (DJD) are also provided. Compositions adapted for intra-articular and/or systemic administration comprised of therapeutic amounts of: chondroitin sulfate; N-acetyl D-glucosamine; and hyaluronan (hyaluronic acid) are provided.