AAOS Issues New Clinical Practice Guideline for Osteoarthritis of the Knee

ROSEMONT, Ill., Dec 11, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire via COMTEX/

-- The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) has approved and released an evidence-based clinical practice guideline on "Treatment of Osteoarthritis of the Knee". These guidelines were explicitly developed to include only treatments which are less invasive than knee replacement surgery. While a wide range of treatment options are available, they should always be tailored to individual patients after discussions with their physicians.

The Guidelines and Evidence Report recommends:
-- Not performing an arthroscopic lavage if a patient only displays symptoms of osteoarthritis and no other problems like loose bodies or meniscus tears.

If those mechanical problems--such as loose bodies and meniscal tears - are present then arthroscopy can be potentially beneficial. "The current science shows us that just washing out the joint does not decrease the patient's osteoarthritis symptoms and can expose the patient to additional risk," said John Richmond, MD, Chair of the AAOS work group.
Other important recommendations include:
-- Patients who are overweight, with a Body Mass Index (or BMI) greaterthan 25 should lose a minimum of five per cent of their body weight.
-- Patients should be encouraged to begin or increase their participation in low-impact aerobic fitness.

"These two recommendations are very important because patients can self manage the progression of their OA, and take more control of what their issues are," said Dr. Richmond. "As far as losing weight, this has the highest potential to actually slow the progression of the disease."
After a thorough analysis of the current scientific literature, the work group recommends against using the following treatments:
-- Glucosamine and/or chondroitin sulfate or hydrochloride
-- Needle lavage (aspiration of the joint with injection of saline)
-- Custom made foot orthotics

The work group does suggest that patients with symptomatic OA of the knee receive one of the following analgesics for pain unless there are contraindications to this treatment:
-- Acetaminophen (not to exceed 4 grams per day)
-- Non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
-- Intra-articular corticosteroids (for short term pain relief)

In addition, the available evidence does not allow the work group to recommend for or against the use of:
-- Bracing
-- Acupuncture
-- Intra-articular hyaluronic acid

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is a leading cause of physical disability. Some 33 million Americans are affected by osteoarthritis, but it most commonly occurs in people who are 65years of age or older. OA of the knee can have a major effect on a person's ability to engage in daily activities like walking or climbing stairs. Symptoms associated with osteoarthritis of the knee include:
-- Pain, mild to severe
-- Joint stiffness
-- Swelling in the knee joint.

Several factors increase a person's risk of developing OA of the knee including:
-- Heredity
-- Weight
-- Age
-- Gender
-- Injuries or Trauma to the knee
-- Other risk factors including poor posture, bone alignment, lack of aerobic exercise and muscle weakness

"The Academy created this clinical practice guideline to improve patient care for those suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee," stated Dr. Richmond. "This serves as a point of reference and educational tool for both primary care physicians and orthopaedic surgeons, streamlining possible treatment processes for this ever-so common ailment."

Editor's Note: The AAOS guideline, was developed by an AAOS physician volunteer work group and was based upon a systematic review of the current scientific and clinical information on accepted approaches to treatment and/or diagnosis. The entire process included a review panel consisting of internal and external committees, public commentaries and final approval by the AAOS Board of Directors.

The full guideline along with all supporting documentation is available on the AAOS website: http://www.aaos.org/guidelines
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SOURCE American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons