RESUMO
The aim of this double blind crossover study was to compare the efficacy of oral tramadol with that of tolmetin [NSAID] in relieving pain of patients with chronic pain due to osteoarthritis of the knee. After baseline observation, 44 patients were assigned to one of the two treatment sequences and 40 patients completed the study. During the two treatment periods, the patients daily ratings of pain on a 0- 10 numeric rating scale throughout baseline and double blind treatment periods served as the primary outcome measure. Their ratings for pain were not significantly different between tramadol and tolmetin. It was concluded that though tolmetin was little more effective in relieving the pain and was of less side effects, both tramadol and tolmetin relieved pain due to knee osteoarthritis