Date of Award
2016
Degree Type
Selective Evidence-Based Medicine Review
Degree Name
Master of Science in Health Sciences - Physician Assistant
Department
Physician Assistant Studies
Department Chair
John Cavenagh, MBA, PhD, PA-C
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not viscosupplementation is effective in reducing osteoarthritis knee pain
STUDY DESIGN: Review of three randomized, double blind, placebo control trials between 2009- 2010
DATA SOURCES: Three randomized, double blind, placebo control trials were found via PubMed and NCBI
OUTCOMES MEASURED: Each randomized control trial measured knee pain and/or patient satisfaction following their intervention (placebo or hyaluronic acid) in patients with knee osteoarthritis, which was measured via WOMAC pain scale and patient global assessment forms.
RESULTS: (P<0.05) for change in pain at 14-26 weeks after injection (NNT=6- 8 for Chevalier et al and 4 for Kul-Panza & Berker). Patient satisfaction was higher in the experimental groups as compared to the control with conclusions of NNT between 11 and 20 for Chevalier et al and Kul-Panza & Berker respectively. Chavelier et al found adverse events such as arthralgias and joint effusion in <10% of their study population (NNH=39). No dichotomous data was presented in Diacoglu et al; however an ANOVA was deemed statistically significant (p<0.01).
CONCLUSION: Review of these articles concludes that the use of hyaluronic acid is beneficial in reducing knee pain and exhibits patient satisfaction. The use of hyaluronic acid needs to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and should not be used in every patient with osteoarthritis, particularly if other additional knee injuries or significant surgical history are present.
Recommended Citation
Antonoplos, Amalia, "Is Viscosupplementation Effective in Reducing Osteoarthritis Knee Pain?" (2016). PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship. 262.
https://digitalcommons.pcom.edu/pa_systematic_reviews/262