Appraise the current evidence for the long-term (≥12 months) safety of common treatments for knee osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis- a systematic review of long-term safety implications for osteoarthritis of the knee.

Article specifications

This review study was published in 2019 in Journal of BMC Musculoskelet Disord. (IF 2013: 3.18) by Australian specialists. This systematic review aims to appraise the current evidence for the long-term (≥12 months) safety of common treatments for knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Medline and PubMed were systematically searched from 1990 to July 2017, inclusive.

 

Result

Given the safety and effectiveness of lifestyle interventions such as weight loss and exercise, these should be advocated in all patients due to the low risk of harm. The use of NSAIDs should be minimized to avoid gastrointestinal complications. Treatment with opioids has a lack of evidence for use and a high risk of long-term harm. The use of IAHA and PRP may provide additional symptomatic benefit without the risk of harm. TKA is associated with significant medical complications but is justified by the efficacy of joint replacement in late-stage disease.