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Objective: This study was conducted with the aim to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Vitamin B complex as an add-on therapy to diclofenac in patients with primary osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. Materials and Methods: In this prospective, open-labeled, randomized, and comparative clinical study, a total of 130 patients of age >40 years with primary OA of knee attending orthopedics OPD were randomly allocated into two groups of 65 each, i.e., Group D and Group B. In Group D, patients received tablet diclofenac 75 mg and in Group B, patients received tablet Vitamin B complex along with diclofenac once daily for 4 weeks, respectively. Clinical assessment was done at baseline and at the end of 4 weeks and 8 weeks by the visual analog scale (VAS), WOMAC index, and Lequesne index. Results: During the intergroup comparison, it was found that Vitamin B complex as an add-on therapy to diclofenac produced statistically significant reduction in mean VAS pain score (P < 0.05). However, the difference in mean WOMAC index and Lequesne index was not statistically different at 4 and 8 weeks between the two groups (P > 0.05). Mild side effects were seen at 4 weeks, but no side effects persisted up to 8 weeks in both the groups. Conclusion: The present study suggested that Vitamin B complex as an add-on therapy was found to cause a significant reduction in pain score. It could be a promising drug in patients with OA to improve the analgesic effect, when combined can reduce the dose of diclofenac, thereby minimizing the side effects.
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Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of acupoint iontophoresis with Sinomenine hydrochloride in treating knee osteoarthritis (KOA).Method Sixty KOA patients were randomized into a treatment group and a control group, 30 cases each. The treatment group was intervened by iontophoresis with Sinomenine hydrochloride into specific acupoints via a direct current iontophoresis appliance; the control group was intervened by oral administration of Meloxicam tablets. The Lequesne index, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and knee joint space were observed before and after the intervention.Result The Lequesne and VAS scores were significantly changed after the treatment in the two groups (P<0.01,P<0.05). After the intervention, there was a significant difference in the Lequesne score between the two groups (P<0.01). After the treatment, the knee joint space didn't show significant intra-group or between- group differences (P>0.05).Conclusion Acupoint iontophoresis with Sinomenine hydrochloride is an effecttive method in treating KOA.
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@#ObjectiveTo examine the the inter-rater reliability of the Chinese version of Lequesne index as the effective treatment evaluation of patients with knee osteoarthritis.Methods30 patients with radiological findings and clinical symptoms of knee osteoarthritis were evaluated the Chinese version of Lequesne index twice by two staff who passed the Lequesne index formal training within 24 hours. Inter-rater reliability was assessed by the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and the Bland & Altman method.ResultsInter-rater reliability was excellent with ICC=0.94. The Bland & Altman analysis revealed no systematic errors between inter-raters.ConclusionThe Chinese version of Lequesne index has high inter-rater reliability in subjects with knee osteoarthritis.
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Objective: To investigate the effect of function of knee on quality of life (QOL) in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Method: Forty patients with knee OA were recruited. Their function, pain and range of motion (ROM) of knee were assessed with Lequesne index, Lysholm knee score (LKSS), visual analogue scale (VAS) and protractor measure respectively. QOL was evaluated with arthritis impact measurement scale (AIMS). Result: The scores of AIMS, Lequesne and VAS in female were significantly higher than that in male. And the LKSS in female was significantly lower than that in male (P<0.05). There was a positive correlation between AIMS score and Lequesne index, VAS score and limit of ROM, but a negative correlation between AIMS and LKSS (P<0.05). Conclusion: The function of knee and QOL in female patients with OA were worse than that in male patients. Pain, limited ROM and weaken function in knee could effect QOL in OA patients to some extent. Health education and clinical treatment should be provided to improve the function of knee and QOL in OA patients.
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OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of lateral heel and sole wedges on osteoarthritis of knees. METHOD: Sixty patients with knee osteoarthritis were enrolled and divided into the control (n=30) and wedge (n=30) groups. The control group received only conventional therapy for 5 weeks, while the wedge group took lateral wedges with 4 mm height in additional to the same conventional therapy. Intensity of pain and funtional activity were assessed by Western Ontario and Mac-Master Universities Osteoarthritis index (WOMAC index) and Lequesne s index. Scanogram was measured to assess femorotibial anglechange. WOMAC index, Lequesne's index and scanogram were measured before and 6 months after the therapy. RESULTS: For the wedge group, WOMAC index and Lequesne's index were significantly lower at the six month follow up compared to the initial indices (p<0.05). The femorotibial angle showed no significant change in both groups. CONCLUSION: Lateral heel and sole wedges can be used as an effective therapeutic modality for long term management of knee osteoarthritis in combination with conventional therapy.