Systematic Review on Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis
Abstract
Background: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common degenerative joint disease affecting millions of individuals worldwide, leading to pain, functional impairment, and decreased quality of life. The management of KOA is multifaceted, involving pharmacological treatments, non-pharmacological interventions, and surgical options. Given the chronic nature of the condition, the development of effective, evidence-based treatment strategies is critical. This systematic review aims to evaluate the efficacy of current treatments for knee osteoarthritis.
Methods: Inclusion criteria encompassed randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and systematic reviews that investigated the effectiveness of various treatment modalities for knee osteoarthritis. Treatment categories included pharmacological therapies, physical therapy, intra-articular injections, and surgical interventions.
Results: The review identified 10 relevant studies evaluating a wide range of treatments for KOA. Pharmacological treatments, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and analgesics, were found to provide short-term pain relief, but long-term use is associated with side effects. Non-pharmacological interventions, including physical therapy, weight management, and education programs, showed significant improvements in pain and function. Intra-articular injections, such as hyaluronic acid and corticosteroids, provided moderate symptomatic relief, though their effects were temporary. Surgical options, such as total knee arthroplasty (TKA), were effective for advanced cases, providing long-term relief and functional improvement.
Conclusion: A multimodal approach combining pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments is recommended for managing knee osteoarthritis. While surgery remains the option for end-stage disease, early intervention with physical therapy and weight management can significantly improve outcomes. Further research is needed to optimize personalized treatment plans and explore novel therapeutic agents.
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