Date of Award
2013
Degree Type
Selective Evidence-Based Medicine Review
Degree Name
Master of Science in Health Sciences - Physician Assistant
Department Chair
John Cavenagh, PhD, PA-C
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not daily intake of glucosamine supplements prevents the need for knee replacements later in life for adults predisposed to osteoarthritis.
STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language primary randomized controlled trial studies published between 2001 and 2008
DATA SOURCES: Three double blind randomized control trials comparing glucosamine supplements to placebo were found using PubMed.
OUTCOMES MEASURED: Outcomes were measured using radiographic studies of the knees, joint space measurements, and symptoms were evaluated using Lequesne and WOMAC indexes.
RESULTS: The Reginster (2001) and Pavelka (2002) studies demonstrated no change in joint space measurements in the experimental glucosamine group and a 20-25% decrease in symptoms such as pain and stiffness in the Pavelka study. In the Bruyere (2008) study, 19 out of 131 (14.5%) of those in the placebo group underwent total joint replacement five years after the trial and 9 out of 144 (6.3%) of those in the experimental glucosamine group underwent total joint replacement five years after the trial.
CONCLUSIONS: The three randomized controlled trial in this review concluded that glucosamine supplements retard the progression of joint space narrowing and will delay the need for a total joint replacement up to five years after discontinuing glucosamine supplements.
Recommended Citation
Helmy, Nancy, "Does Daily Intake of Glucosamine Supplements Prevent the Need for Knee Replacements Later in Life for Adult Patients Predisposed to Osteoarthritis?" (2013). PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship. 118.
https://digitalcommons.pcom.edu/pa_systematic_reviews/118
Included in
Medical Pharmacology Commons, Musculoskeletal Diseases Commons, Preventive Medicine Commons