W. Zhang, R.W. Moskowitz, G. Nuki, S. Abramson, R.D. Altman, N. Arden, S. Bierma-Zeinstra, K.D. Brandt, P. Croft, M. Doherty, M. Dougados, M. Hochberg, D.J. Hunter, K. Kwoh, L.S. Lohmander and P. Tugwell
The purpose of this research was to develop concise, patient-focussed, up to date, evidence-based, expert consensus recommendations for the management of hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA), which are adaptable and designed to assist physicians and allied health care professionals in general and specialist practise throughout the world. Twenty-five carefully worded recommendations have been generated based on a critical appraisal of existing guidelines, a systematic review of research evidence and the consensus opinions of an international, multidisciplinary group of experts. Optimal management of patients with OA hip or knee requires a combination of non-pharmacological and pharmacological modalities of therapy. Recommendations cover the use of 12 non-pharmacological modalities: education and self-management, regular telephone contact, referral to a physical therapist, aerobic, muscle strengthening and water-based exercises, weight reduction, walking aids, knee braces, footwear and insoles, thermal modalities, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and acupuncture. Eight recommendations cover pharmacological modalities of treatment and there are recommendations covering five surgical modalities.
These guidelines are key in the evidence based management of patients with hip and knee OA. All practitioners involved in the management of these patients should be familiar with these guidelines.
Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, 2008, 16(2),