Osteoarthritis and Cartilage published the review online in February.
Here are four takeaways:
1. Patients who didn’t receive adequate relief from NSAIDs should not expect better results with opioids. However, opioids may be worth trying before total knee replacement.
2. Researchers found all drug classes were associated with pain reductions of 18 to 19 on the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index Pain subscale.
3. The study found no great differences in pain reduction between NSAIDs and less potent opioids, NSAIDs and potent opioids or less potent opioid and more potent opioids.
4. The researchers concluded providers should discourage opioid analgesics for OA treatment.
More articles on orthopedics:
Louisville Orthopaedic Clinic opens new Indiana location: 3 things to know
Maine Coast, Blue Hill hospitals collaborate to offer orthopedic services: 3 notes
Maine Coast Memorial Hospital, Blue Hill Memorial Hospital partner to consolidate orthopedic services — 5 highlights
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