EULAR recommendations for the non-pharmacological core management of hip and knee osteoarthritis

Are physiotherapists adhering to quality indicators for the management of knee osteoarthritis? An observational study

BACKGROUND

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common musculoskeletal condition that often leads to pain, stiffness and disability. Physiotherapy plays an important role in the management of knee OA, however we hypothesize discordance between physiotherapists' practice and existing guideline recommendations.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to measure physiotherapists' guideline adherence for knee OA. Additionally, determinants for guideline adherence at the professional and organizational level were explored, to find clues for improvement.

METHOD

A survey was performed among Belgian physiotherapists. Guideline adherence was measured with a set of 9 quality indicators, developed for the Belgian primary healthcare system, applicable for physiotherapists and extracted from evidence-based guidelines. Treatment modalities that do not contribute to high quality care were also examined.

RESULTS

284 Physiotherapists responded to the survey. Compliance to the quality indicators varied between 27% and 98%. Quality indicator compliance above 80% was found for: education on the importance of exercise, delivering functional and strength exercise therapy, patient tailored exercise program, instruction of patients in appropriate exercises and referral for sports activities after therapy. Quality indicator compliance less than 50% was found for: education on the importance of weight loss, providing self-management strategies, spreading treatment session over longer periods and regular evaluations of the exercise therapy. For treatment modalities that do not contribute to high quality care, massage (49%) and cold application (24%) were most frequently applied.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed large variations in adherence to quality indicators in OA management by physiotherapists. Improvement strategies should focus on quality indicators related to long-term treatment options.

Effects of footwear on the knee adduction moment in medial knee osteoarthritis: classification criteria for flat flexible vs stable supportive shoes

OBJECTIVE

To validate simple criteria that distinguish flat flexible from stable supportive walking shoes by comparing their effects on the knee adduction moment (KAM) in people with medial knee osteoarthritis (OA).

DESIGN

This was a cross-sectional biomechanical study. We proposed five criteria to differentiate flat flexible from stable supportive shoes, and selected three pairs of shoes representing each class for biomechanical testing. 28 participants aged ≥50 years with symptomatic medial knee OA underwent gait analysis barefoot and wearing each of the six selected shoes, in random order. Differences in the peak KAM, KAM impulse and peak knee flexion moment (KFM) across test conditions were evaluated with a two-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). Immediate changes in walking pain between conditions were also compared.

RESULTS

Increases in KAM from barefoot were lower with each of the three flat flexible shoe styles (peak KAM: 6.1-8.9%; KAM impulse: 2.4-5.1%) compared to their stable supportive counterparts (peak KAM: 11.6-15.1%; KAM impulse 10.5-13.2%). There was a significant main effect for footwear class on peak KAM and KAM impulse, whereby stable supportive shoes increased the KAM significantly more than flat flexible shoes (P < 0.001). There were no differences in the KFM or immediate walking pain between footwear classes.

CONCLUSIONS

Our proposed criteria can be used by researchers and clinicians to select flat flexible shoes for people with medial knee OA to minimise knee loading. Future research should evaluate whether wearing shoes based on these criteria translates to improvements in knee OA symptoms and/or slows structural disease progression.

Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis Affects Younger People, Too

Synopsis Although osteoarthritis (OA) has traditionally been considered a disease of older age, hip and knee OA can and does affect younger adults, with a profound impact on psychosocial well-being and work capacity. Obesity and a history of traumatic knee injury (eg, anterior cruciate ligament rupture and/or meniscal tear) are key risk factors for the accelerated development of knee OA, while structural hip deformities (including those contributing to femoroacetabular impingement syndrome) are strong predictors of early-onset hip OA. In view of these associations, rising rates of obesity and sports injuries are concerning, and may signal a future surge in OA incidence among younger people. Assessment of hip and knee OA in younger people should focus on a patient-centered history, comprehensive physical examination, performance-based measures, and patient-reported outcome measures to enable monitoring of symptoms and function over time. Referral for imaging should be reserved for people presenting with atypical signs or symptoms that may indicate diagnoses other than OA. Nonpharmacological approaches are core strategies for the management of hip and knee OA in younger people, and these include appropriate disease-related education, activity modification (including for work-related tasks), physical therapist- prescribed exercise programs to address identified physical impairments, and weight control or weight loss. High-quality evidence has shown no benefit of arthroscopy for knee OA, and there are no published clinical trials to support the use of hip arthroscopy for OA. Referral for joint-conserving or joint replacement surgery should be considered when nonpharmacological and pharmacological management strategies are no longer effective. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2017;47(2):67-79. doi:10.2519/jospt.2017.7286.

Barriers for guideline adherence in knee osteoarthritis care: A qualitative study from the patients' perspective

RATIONALE, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

Guidelines for patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) are suboptimally implemented in clinical care. To improve guideline adherence, patients' perceived barriers and facilitators in current care were investigated.

METHODS

Eleven patients with knee OA were extensively interviewed using a semistructured script based on quality indicators. Directed content analysis, within the framework of Grol and Wensing, was performed to describe barriers and facilitators in 6 domains: guideline, health care professional, patient, social environment, organization, and financial context. Data were analyzed using NVIVO 10 software.

RESULTS

In total, 38 barriers, at all 6 domains, were identified. The most frequently mentioned barriers were in the domains of the patient and the health care professional, namely, patients' disagreement with guidelines recommendations, negative experience with drugs, patients' limited comprehension of the disease process, and poor communication by the health care professional. The patients' disagreement with recommendations is further explained by the following barriers: "insistence on medical imaging," "fear that physiotherapy aggravates pain," and "perception that knee OA is not a priority health issue". Patients also reported 20 facilitators, all of which are listed as opposing barriers.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients indicate that both personal factors and factors related to health care professionals play an important role in nonadherence. An interview script, based on quality indicators, was a significant aid to structurally formulate barriers and facilitators in the perceived knee OA care. Future guideline implementation strategies should take the identified barriers and facilitators into account.

The Ottawa panel clinical practice guidelines for the management of knee osteoarthritis. Part two: strengthening exercise programs

OBJECTIVE

To identify effective strengthening exercise programs and provide rehabilitation teams and patients with updated, high-quality recommendations concerning traditional land-based exercises for knee osteoarthritis.

METHODS

A systematic search and adapted selection criteria included comparative controlled trials with strengthening exercise programs for patients with knee osteoarthritis. A panel of experts reached consensus on the recommendations using a Delphi survey. A hierarchical alphabetical grading system (A, B, C+, C, D, D+ or D-) was based on statistical significance ( p < 0.5) and clinical importance (⩾15% improvement).

RESULTS

The 26 high-quality studies identified demonstrated that various strengthening exercise programs with/without other types of therapeutic exercises are generally effective for improving knee osteoarthritis management within a six-month period. Strengthening exercise programs demonstrated a significant improvement for pain relief (four Grade A, ten Grade B, two Grade C+), physical function (four Grade A, eight Grade B) and quality of life (three Grade B). Strengthening in combination with other types of exercises (coordination, balance, functional) showed a significant improvement in pain relief (three Grade A, 11 Grade B, eight Grade C+), physical function (two Grade A, four Grade B, three Grade C+) and quality of life (one Grade A, one Grade C+).

CONCLUSION

There are a variety of choices for strengthening exercise programs with positive recommendations for healthcare professionals and knee osteoarthritis patients. There is a need to develop combined behavioral and muscle-strengthening strategies to improve long-term maintenance of regular strengthening exercise programs.

Exercise for hand osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND

Hand osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent joint disease that may lead to pain, stiffness and problems in performing hand-related activities of daily living. Currently, no cure for OA is known, and non-pharmacological modalities are recommended as first-line care. A positive effect of exercise in hip and knee OA has been documented, but the effect of exercise on hand OA remains uncertain.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the benefits and harms of exercise compared with other interventions, including placebo or no intervention, in people with hand OA. Main outcomes are hand pain and hand function.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched six electronic databases up until September 2015.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All randomised and controlled clinical trials comparing therapeutic exercise versus no exercise or comparing different exercise programmes.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently selected trials, extracted data, assessed risk of bias and assessed the quality of the body of evidence using the GRADE approach. Outcomes consisted of both continuous (hand pain, physical function, finger joint stiffness and quality of life) and dichotomous outcomes (proportions of adverse events and withdrawals).

MAIN RESULTS

We included seven studies in the review. Most studies were free from selection and reporting bias, but one study was available only as a congress abstract. It was not possible to blind participants to treatment allocation, and although most studies reported blinded outcome assessors, some outcomes (pain, function, stiffness and quality of life) were self-reported. The results may be vulnerable to performance and detection bias owing to unblinded participants and self-reported outcomes. Two studies with high drop-out rates may be vulnerable to attrition bias. We downgraded the overall quality of the body of evidence to low owing to potential detection bias (lack of blinding of participants on self-reported outcomes) and imprecision (studies were few, the number of participants was limited and confidence intervals were wide for the outcomes pain, function and joint stiffness). For quality of life, adverse events and withdrawals due to adverse events, we further downgraded the overall quality of the body of evidence to very low because studies were very few and confidence intervals were very wide.Low-quality evidence from five trials (381 participants) indicated that exercise reduced hand pain (standardised mean difference (SMD) -0.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.47 to -0.07) post intervention. The absolute reduction in pain for the exercise group, compared with the control group, was 5% (1% to 9%) on a 0 to 10 point scale. Pain was estimated to be 3.9 points on this scale (0 = no pain) in the control group, and exercise reduced pain by 0.5 points (95% CI 0.1 to 0.9; number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome (NNTB) 9).Four studies (369 participants) indicated that exercise improved hand function (SMD -0.28, 95% CI -0.58 to 0.02) post intervention. The absolute improvement in function noted in the exercise group, compared with the control group, was 6% (0.4% worsening to 13% improvement). Function was estimated at 14.5 points on a 0 to 36 point scale (0 = no physical disability) in the control group, and exercise improved function by 2.2 points (95% CI -0.2 to 4.6; NNTB 9).One study (113 participants) evaluated quality of life, and the effect of exercise on quality of life is currently uncertain (mean difference (MD) 0.30, 95% CI -3.72 to 4.32). The absolute improvement in quality of life for the exercise group, compared with the control group, was 0.3% (4% worsening to 4% improvement). Quality of life was 50.4 points on a 0 to 100 point scale (100 = maximum quality of life) in the control group, and the mean score in the exercise group was 0.3 points higher (3.5 points lower to 4.1 points higher).Four studies (369 participants) indicated that exercise reduced finger joint stiffness (SMD -0.36, 95% CI -0.58 to -0.15) post intervention. The absolute reduction in finger joint stiffness for the exercise group, compared with the control group, was 7% (3% to 10%). Finger joint stiffness was estimated at 4.5 points on a 0 to 10 point scale (0 = no stiffness) in the control group, and exercise improved stiffness by 0.7 points (95% CI 0.3 to 1.0; NNTB 7).Three studies reported intervention-related adverse events and withdrawals due to adverse events. The few reported adverse events consisted of increased finger joint inflammation and hand pain. Low-quality evidence from the three studies showed an increased likelihood of adverse events (risk ratio (RR) 4.55, 95% CI 0.53 to 39.31) and of withdrawals due to adverse events in the exercise group compared with the control group (RR 2.88, 95% CI 0.30 to 27.18), but the effect is uncertain and further research may change the estimates.Included studies did not measure radiographic joint structure changes. Two studies provided six-month follow-up data (220 participants), and one (102 participants) provided 12-month follow-up data. The positive effect of exercise on pain, function and joint stiffness was not sustained at medium- and long-term follow-up.The exercise intervention varied largely in terms of dosage, content and number of supervised sessions. Participants were instructed to exercise two to three times a week in four studies, daily in two studies and three to four times daily in another study. Exercise interventions in all seven studies aimed to improve muscle strength and joint stability or function, but the numbers and types of exercises varied largely across studies. Four studies reported adherence to the exercise programme; in three studies, this was self-reported. Self-reported adherence to the recommended frequency of exercise sessions ranged between 78% and 94%. In the fourth study, 67% fulfilled at least 16 of the 18 scheduled exercise sessions.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

When we pooled results from five studies, we found low-quality evidence showing small beneficial effects of exercise on hand pain, function and finger joint stiffness. Estimated effect sizes were small, and whether they represent a clinically important change may be debated. One study reported quality of life, and the effect is uncertain. Three studies reported on adverse events, which were very few and were not severe.

Health enhancing physical activity in patients with hip or knee osteoarthritis - an observational intervention study

Background

Osteoarthritis is one of the leading causes of inactivity worldwide. The recommended level of health enhancing physical activity (HEPA) is at least 150 min of moderate intensity physical activity per week. The purpose of this study was to explore how the proportion of patients, who reached the recommended level of HEPA, changed following a supported osteoarthritis self-management programme in primary care, and to explore how reaching the level of HEPA was influenced by body mass index (BMI), gender, age and comorbidity.

Methods

An observational study was conducted using data from a National Quality Registry in which 6810 patients in primary care with clinically verified hip or knee osteoarthritis with complete data at baseline, 3 and 12 months follow-up before December 31^st 2013 were included. HEPA was defined as self-reported physical activity of at least moderate intensity either a) at least 30 min per day on four days or more per week, or b) at least 150 min per week. HEPA was assessed at baseline, and again at 3 and 12 months follow-up. Cochran’s Q test was used to determine change in physical activity over time. The association between reaching the level of HEPA and time, age, BMI, gender, and Charnley classification was investigated using the generalized estimation equation (GEE) model.

Results

The proportion of patients who reached the level of HEPA increased by 345 patients, from 77 to 82%, from baseline to 3 months follow-up. At 12 months, the proportion of patients who reached the level of HEPA decreased to 76%. Not reaching the level of HEPA was associated with overweight, obesity, male gender and Charnley category C, i.e. osteoarthritis in multiple joint sites (hip and knee), or presence of any other disease that affects walking ability.

Conclusions

Following the supported osteoarthritis self-management programme there was a significant increase in the proportion of patients who reached the recommended level of HEPA after 3 months. Improvements were lost after 12 months. To increase physical activity and reach long-lasting changes in levels of physical activity, more follow-up sessions might be needed.

Aiming for a healthier life: a qualitative content analysis of rehabilitation goals in patients with rheumatic diseases

PURPOSE

To explore and describe rehabilitation goals of patients with rheumatic diseases during rehabilitation stays, and examine whether goal content changed from admission to discharge.

METHOD

Fifty-two participants were recruited from six rehabilitation centers in Norway. Goals were formulated by the participants during semi-structured goal-setting conversations with health professionals trained in motivational interviewing. An inductive qualitative content analysis was conducted to classify and quantify the expressed goals. Changes in goal content from admission to discharge were calculated as percentage differences. Goal content was explored across demographic and contextual characteristics.

RESULTS

A total of 779 rehabilitation goals were classified into 35 categories, within nine overarching dimensions. These goals varied and covered a wide range of topics. Most common at admission were goals concerning healthy lifestyle, followed by goals concerning symptoms, managing everyday life, adaptation, disease management, social life, and knowledge. At discharge, goals about knowledge and symptoms decreased considerably, and goals about healthy lifestyle and adaptation increased. The health profession involved and patient gender influenced goal content.

CONCLUSIONS

The rehabilitation goals of the patients with rheumatic diseases were found to be wide-ranging, with healthy lifestyle as the most prominent focus. Goal content changed between admission to, and discharge from, rehabilitation stays. Implications for rehabilitation Rehabilitation goals set by patients with rheumatic diseases most frequently concern healthy lifestyle changes, yet span a wide range of topics. Patient goals vary by gender and are influenced by the profession of the health care worker involved in the goal-setting process. To meet the diversity of patient needs, health professionals need to be aware of their potential influence on the actual goal-setting task, which may limit the range of topics patients present when they are asked to set rehabilitation goals. The proposed framework for classifying goal content has the capacity to detect changes in goals occurring during the rehabilitation process, and may be used as a clinical tool during goal-setting conversations for this patient group.

Supervised neuromuscular exercise prior to hip and knee replacement: 12-month clinical effect and cost-utility analysis alongside a randomised controlled trial

Background

There are indications of beneficial short-term effect of pre-operative exercise in reducing pain and improving activity of daily living after total hip replacement (THR) and total knee replacement (TKR) surgery. Though, information from studies conducting longer follow-ups and economic evaluations of exercise prior to THR and TKR is needed. The aim of the study was to analyse 12-month clinical effect and cost-utility of supervised neuromuscular exercise prior to THR and TKR surgery.

Methods

The study was conducted alongside a randomised controlled trial including 165 patients scheduled for standard THR or TKR at a hospital located in a rural area of Denmark. The patients were randomised to replacement surgery with or without an 8-week preoperative supervised neuromuscular exercise program (Clinical Trials registration no.: NCT01003756). Clinical effect was measured with Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS) and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). Quality adjusted life years (QALYs) were based on EQ-5D-3L and Danish preference weights. Resource use was extracted from national registries and valued using standard tariffs (2012-EUR). Incremental net benefit was analysed to estimate the probability for the intervention being cost effective for a range of threshold values. A health care sector perspective was applied.

Results

HOOS/KOOS quality of life [8.25 (95% CI, 0.42 to 16.10)] and QALYs [0.04 (95% CI, 0.01 to 0.07)] were statistically significantly improved. Effect-sizes ranged between 0.09-0.59 for HOOS/KOOS subscales. Despite including an intervention cost of €326 per patient, there was no difference in total cost between groups [€132 (95% CI −3942 to 3679)]. At a threshold of €40,000, preoperative exercise was found to be cost effective at 84% probability.

Conclusion

Preoperative supervised neuromuscular exercise for 8 weeks was found to be cost-effective in patients scheduled for THR and TKR surgery at conventional thresholds for willingness to pay. One-year clinical effects were small to moderate and favoured the intervention group, but only statistically significant for quality of life measures.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01003756) October 28, 2009.

Factors Associated With Referral to Secondary Care in Patients With Osteoarthritis of the Hip or Knee After Implementation of a Stepped-Care Strategy

OBJECTIVE

We introduced a stepped-care strategy (SCS) for hip and knee osteoarthritis, focusing on delivery of high-quality stepped care. In this study, we aimed to identify factors associated with various steps of the SCS.

METHODS

We used data from a 2-year observational prospective cohort study, including 313 patients visiting their general practitioner (GP) with a new episode of hip/knee osteoarthritis. We used logistic multilevel analyses to identify factors at the level of the patient, the GP, and the general practice, related to treatment limited to primary care, referral to nonsurgical secondary care, or surgical procedures.

RESULTS

Patients whose treatment had been limited to primary care tended to function physically better (odds ratio [OR] 1.03). Furthermore, they less often received exercise therapy (OR 0.46), intraarticular injections (OR 0.08), and radiologic assessments (OR 0.06). Continuation of nonsurgical care after referral was more likely in employed patients (OR 2.90) and patients who had no exercise therapy (OR 0.19) or nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (OR 0.35). Surgically treated patients more often received exercise therapy (OR 7.42). Referral and surgical treatment depended only to a limited extent on the GP or the general practice.

CONCLUSION

After implementation of the SCS in primary care, the performance of exercise therapy, rather than disease severity or psychologic factors, seems to play a key role in the decision whether or not to refer for surgical or nonsurgical treatment in secondary care. To optimize patient-tailored treatment, future research should be adressed to determine the optimal moment of switching from primary to secondary care in patients with hip/knee osteoarthritis.

[S3 guidelines on long-term opioid treatment in non-cancer pain. Recommendations for opioid use in clinical rheumatology]

The long-term use of opioids for chronic pain can be problematic in many respects. Besides potentially harmful and considerable undesired side effects and possible drug abuse, the indications for prescription, efficacy and safety in the long run have to be considered. The recently updated S3 guidelines on long-term opioid treatment in non-cancer pain (LONTS) provide recommendations with the highest currently available evidence. This article summarizes the most relevant contents for the clinical rheumatologist.

Orthoses for osteoarthritis: A narrative review

Orthoses for osteoarthritis represent splints, taping, sleeves, unloading knee braces and insoles. This review of the effectiveness of these orthoses involved a search for articles published up to 2015 in MEDLINE via PubMed, with a focus on Osteoarthritis Research Society International, American College of Rheumatology and European League Against Rheumatology international recommendations. Evidence for splinting effectiveness in patients with thumb-base osteoarthritis is now provided. Splints for thumb-base osteoarthritis decrease pain and functional disability. Weaker evidence was found for knee bracing, including taping, sleeves and unloading braces. Low rate of observance and safety results should be considered before using current unloading knee braces for knee osteoarthritis. For insoles, data remain controversial. Orthoses for interphalangeal or hip osteoarthritis have not been investigated in a randomized trial. Regardless, if indicated in daily clinical practice, bracing must be checked by a healthcare professional to insure the suitability of the device. Patients using bracing must be educated. Patient education should include knowledge of the aims and modalities of the treatment as well as knowledge of potential side effects. Patients should be encouraged to contact the therapist if adjustment is needed, with poor tolerance or with questions about the device.

The development and validation of a multivariable model to predict whether patients referred for total knee replacement are suitable surgical candidates at the time of initial consultation

BACKGROUND

In previous studies, 50%-70% of patients referred to orthopedic surgeons for total knee replacement (TKR) were not surgical candidates at the time of initial assessment. The purpose of our study was to identify and cross-validate patient self-reported predictors of suitability for TKR and to determine the clinical utility of a predictive model to guide the timing and appropriateness of referral to a surgeon.

METHODS

We assessed pre-consultation patient data as well as the surgeon's findings and post-consultation recommendations. We used multivariate logistic regression to detect self-reported items that could identify suitable surgical candidates.

RESULTS

Patients' willingness to undergo surgery, higher rating of pain, greater physical function, previous intra-articular injections and patient age were the factors predictive of patients being offered and electing to undergo TKR.

CONCLUSION

The application of the model developed in our study would effectively reduce the proportion of nonsurgical referrals by 25%, while identifying the vast majority of surgical candidates (> 90%). Using patient-reported information, we can correctly predict the outcome of specialist consultation for TKR in 70% of cases. To reduce long waits for first consultation with a surgeon, it may be possible to use these items to educate and guide referring clinicians and patients to understand when specialist consultation is the next step in managing the patient with severe osteoarthritis of the knee.

FKD, Paiva TD, Medeiros MCD, Caldas RTJ, Souza MCD. Impact of a three-month resistance training program for elderly persons with knee osteoarthritis residing in the community of Santa Cruz, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

Abstract Objective: to evaluate the impact of a three-month resistance exercise program on the pain and functionality of elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis from the city of Santa Cruz, Rio Grande do Norte. Method: a quasi-experimental study was performed with 13 elderly patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis, who underwent a resistance training program twice a week for 12 weeks. Pain, muscle strength, functionality, quality of life and patient satisfaction were evaluated using the following instruments: the visual analog scale, one repetition maximum testing, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, the Timed Up and Go Test, the 6-minute walk Test, the Short Form (36) Health Survey and the Likert scale. The paired T-test and ANOVA for repeated measures were used for statistical analysis. Results: the mean age of the patients was 62.0 (±10.0) years. At the end of the study, the pain, muscle strength, functional status and some areas of quality of life of the elderly had improved. Conclusion: resistance exercises were an effective and safe method of improving the pain, muscle strength, functionality and quality of life of the population studied. The elderly should be encouraged to perform supervised strength training therapy.

VISCOSSUPLEMENTAÇÃO NO TRATAMENTO DE ARTRITE PÓS-TRAUMÁTICA DE JOELHO DURANTE 12 MESES

RESUMO Introdução: A artrite pós-traumática é uma complicação frequente nas fraturas intra-articulares de joelho, que ocasiona dor e limitação funcional. Uma opção terapêutica que tem mostrado resultados promissores é a infusão intra-articular do ácido hialurônico (viscossuplementação), associada ou não a exercícios e dieta para perder peso. Objetivo: Verificar a resposta ao tratamento de artrite pós-traumática de joelho com uso de viscossuplementação associada ou não a exercícios físicos. Métodos: Avaliaram-se o arco de movimento articular, ângulo de retração poplíteo, a escala visual de dor, o escore de Lysholm e a circunferência da coxa em pacientes submetidos à correção cirúrgica de fratura do platô tibial em nossa instituição, os quais, depois de alta cirúrgica e fisioterápica, foram tratados com viscossuplementação em infusão única associada ou não a exercícios físicos programados, durante seguimento de 12 meses. Resultados: Houve diferença significativa a favor do grupo submetido à viscossuplementação associada a exercícios para o ângulo de retração poplíteo (p = 0,012) e espessura da coxa 10 cm acima da patela (p = 0,047). Em todas as demais variáveis estudadas, os resultados nesse grupo também foram superiores, porém sem alcançar significância estatística correspondente. Todos os pacientes estariam dispostos a repetir a infusão após 12 meses. Conclusão: A viscossuplementação trouxe melhora da dor e função aos pacientes com artrite pós-traumática de joelho e a melhora é maior quando os exercícios são associados em seguimentos de 12 meses.

Content and Evaluation of the Benefits of Effective Exercise for Older Adults With Knee Pain Trial Physiotherapist Training Program

OBJECTIVE

To explore whether participating in the Benefits of Effective Exercise for knee Pain (BEEP) trial training program increased physiotherapists' self-confidence and changed their intended clinical behavior regarding exercise for knee pain in older adults.

DESIGN

Before/after training program evaluation. Physiotherapists were asked to complete a questionnaire before the BEEP trial training program, immediately after, and 12 to 18 months later (postintervention delivery in the BEEP trial). The questionnaire included a case vignette and associated clinical management questions. Questionnaire responses were compared over time and between physiotherapists trained to deliver each intervention within the BEEP trial.

SETTING

Primary care.

PARTICIPANTS

Physiotherapists (N=53) who completed the BEEP trial training program.

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Self-confidence in the diagnosis and management of knee pain in older adults; and intended clinical behavior measured by a case vignette and associated clinical management questions.

RESULTS

Fifty-two physiotherapists (98%) returned the pretraining questionnaire, and 44 (85%) and 39 (74%) returned the posttraining and postintervention questionnaires, respectively. Posttraining, self-confidence in managing older adults with knee pain increased, and intended clinical behavior regarding exercise for knee pain in older adults appeared more in line with clinical guidelines. However, not all positive changes were maintained in the longer-term.

CONCLUSIONS

Participating in the BEEP trial training program increased physiotherapists' self-confidence and changed their intended clinical behavior regarding exercise for knee pain, but by 12 to 18 months later, some of these positive changes were lost. This suggests that brief training programs are useful, but additional strategies are likely needed to successfully maintain changes in clinical behavior over time.

Hierarchical structure and importance of patients' reasons for treatment choices in knee and hip osteoarthritis: a concept mapping study

OBJECTIVES

To improve patients' use of conservative treatment options of hip and knee OA, in-depth understanding of reasons underlying patients' treatment choices is required. The current study adopted a concept mapping method to thematically structure and prioritize reasons for treatment choice in knee and hip OA from a patients' perspective.

METHODS

Multiple reasons for treatment choices were previously identified using in-depth interviews. In consensus meetings, experts derived 51 representative reasons from the interviews. Thirty-six patients individually sorted the 51 reasons in two card-sorting tasks: one based on content similarity, and one based on importance of reasons. The individual sortings of the first card-sorting task provided input for a hierarchical cluster analysis (squared Euclidian distances, Ward's method). The importance of the reasons and clusters were examined using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

The hierarchical structure of reasons for treatment choices showed a core distinction between two categories of clusters: barriers [subdivided into context (e.g. the healthcare system) and disadvantages] and outcome (subdivided into treatment and personal life). At the lowest level, 15 clusters were identified of which the clusters Physical functioning, Risks and Prosthesis were considered most important when making a treatment decision for hip or knee OA.

CONCLUSION

Patients' treatment choices in knee and hip OA are guided by contextual barriers, disadvantages of the treatment, outcomes of the treatment and consequences for personal life. The structured overview of reasons can be used to support shared decision-making.

Total joint arthroplasty: practice variation of physiotherapy across the continuum of care in Alberta

Background

Comprehensive and timely rehabilitation for total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is needed to maximize recovery from this elective surgical procedure for hip and knee arthritis. Administrative data do not capture the variation of treatment for rehabilitation across the continuum of care for TJA, so we conducted a survey for physiotherapists to report practice for TJA across the continuum of care. The primary objective was to describe the reported practice of physiotherapy for TJA across the continuum of care within the context of a provincial TJA clinical pathway and highlight possible gaps in care.

Method

A cross-sectional on-line survey was accessible to licensed physiotherapists in Alberta, Canada for 11 weeks. Physiotherapists who treated at least five patients with TJA annually were asked to complete the survey. The survey consisted of 58 questions grouped into pre-operative, acute care and post-acute rehabilitation. Variation of practice was described in terms of number, duration and type of visits along with goals of care and program delivery methods.

Results

Of the 80 respondents, 26 (33 %) stated they worked in small centres or rural settings in Alberta with the remaining respondents working in two large urban sites. The primary treatment goal differed for each phase across the continuum of care in that pre-operative phase was directed at improving muscle strength, functional activities were commonly reported for acute care, and post-acute phase was directed at improving joint range-of-motion. Proportionally, more physiotherapists from rural areas treated patients in out-patient hospital departments (59 %), whereas a higher proportion in urban physiotherapists saw patients in private clinics (48 %). Across the continuum of care, treatment was primarily delivered on an individual basis rather than in a group format.

Conclusions

Variation of practice reported with pre-and post-operative care in the community will stimulate dialogue within the profession as to what is the minimal standard of care to provide patients undergoing TJA.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12913-016-1873-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

A Standardized "Rescue" Exercise Program for Symptomatic Flare-up of Knee Osteoarthritis: Description and Safety Considerations

Study Design Secondary analysis of clinical trial data. Background Knee osteoarthritis (OA) management has changed significantly over recent decades toward nonpharmacological treatments, particularly exercise. However, the optimal exercise program remains to be established. Objective To describe the implementation of standardized rescue exercises for patients with pain exacerbations and to assess whether performing these benefit or further worsen symptoms in patients with exacerbated symptoms of knee OA. Methods The data from 2 randomized controlled studies of exercise in patients with knee OA were used. A supervised, standard exercise program that included standardized "rescue" exercises to be performed in the event of symptomatic exacerbation, defined as knee pain of greater than 5 on a 0-to-10 numeric pain-rating scale, was conducted for 12 weeks at 3 sessions per week. Pain ratings were obtained before and after each exercise session. Results Of 131 participants included, 2 never commenced the exercise program, leaving 129 to be included in the analysis. The analysis was observational and thus had no comparison group. During the program, 36 participants (28%) were referred to the rescue exercises. In 63% of the rescue sessions, the participants experienced decreased pain intensity (average ± SD, -2.6 ± 2.3), 27% reported no change in pain, and 10% reported increased pain intensity (average ± SD, 1.3 ± 0.5). Conclusion Having a predefined and standardized rescue exercise option appears beneficial, and did not result in further worsening of exacerbated knee OA symptoms. The intervention may be particularly relevant for patients with knee OA who have more severe symptoms. Level of Evidence Therapy, level 2b. Registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01545258 and NCT01945749). J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2016;46(11):942-946. Epub 28 Sep 2016. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.6908.

Predictors of Exercise Adherence in Patients With Meniscal Tear and Osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE

To identify predictors of poor exercise adherence in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and meniscal tear.

DESIGN

Secondary analysis of data gathered over the first 12 weeks in the Meniscal Tear in Osteoarthritis Research (MeTeOR) trial, a multicenter, randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

Seven referral centers.

PARTICIPANTS

Most of the patients in the MeTeOR trial (N=325 of 351) were included in the analysis, each of whom was aged ≥45 years and had a meniscal tear and osteoarthritic changes on imaging studies; 26 were excluded because of missing data from which to derive the primary outcome variable.

INTERVENTIONS

All patients received a structured, supervised exercise program focused on strengthening, along with prescribed home exercises; half were randomly assigned to also receive arthroscopic partial meniscectomy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Poor exercise adherence through 12 weeks, defined as performing <50% of prescribed exercise.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight percent of the MeTeOR cohort showed poor exercise adherence. In the multivariate model, adjusting for treatment group, those who earned ≤$29,000 per year had 1.64 times the risk of nonadherence (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10-2.43) than those who earned >$100,000 per year; and those without baseline pain with pivoting and twisting had 1.60 times greater risk of nonadherence than those with these symptoms (95% CI, 1.14-2.25).

CONCLUSIONS

Low income was associated with poor exercise adherence among patients aged ≥45 years with OA and a meniscal tear, as was absence of pain with pivoting and twisting. Our findings highlight the need for further research into exercise adherence and for interventions to enhance adherence among those with low incomes.

Hip Osteoarthritis: Etiopathogenesis and Implications for Management

Highly prevalent among the elderly, hip osteoarthritis (OA) carries a heavy burden of disease. Guidelines for the management of hip OA are often extrapolated from knee OA research, despite clear differences in the etiopathogenesis and response to treatments of OA at these sites. We propose that hip OA requires specific attention separate from other OA phenotypes. Our understanding of the etiopathogenesis of hip OA has seen significant advance over the last 15 years, since Ganz and colleagues proposed femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) as an important etiological factor. This narrative review summarizes the current understanding of the etiopathogenesis of hip OA and identifies areas requiring further research. Therapeutic approaches for hip OA are considered in light of the condition’s etiopathogenesis. The evidence for currently adopted management strategies is considered, especially those approaches that may have disease-modifying potential. We propose that shifting the focus of hip OA research and public health intervention to primary prevention and early detection may greatly improve the current management paradigm.

Effects of sulfur bath on hip osteoarthritis: a randomized, controlled, single-blind, follow-up trial: a pilot study

The effects of balneotherapy were evaluated in patients with osteoarthritis of the hip. This randomized, controlled, investigator-blinded study enrolled outpatients with hip osteoarthritis according to ACR criteria. In addition to home exercise therapy, one patient group received balneotherapy for 3 weeks on 15 occasions. The mineral water used in this study is one of the mineral waters with the highest sulfide ion content (13.2 mg/L) in Hungary. The control group received exercise therapy alone. The WOMAC Likert 3.1 index and the EQ-5D quality of life self-administered questionnaire were completed three times during the study: prior to first treatment, at the end of the 3-week treatment course, and 12 weeks later. The main endpoint was achievement of Minimal Clinically Important Improvement (MCII) at 12 weeks, defined as ≥7.9 points in a normalized WOMAC function score. The intention to treat analysis included 20 controls and 21 balneotherapy patients. At 12 weeks, 17 (81 %) balneotherapy group patients had Minimal Clinically Important Improvement and 6 (30 %) of controls (p = 0.001). Comparing the results of the two groups at the end of treatment, there was a significant difference in the WOMAC stiffness score only, whereas after 12 weeks, the WOMAC pain, stiffness, function, and total scores also showed a significant difference in favor of the balneotherapy group. The difference between the two groups was significant after 12 weeks in point of EQVAS score, too. The results of our study suggest that the combination of balneotherapy and exercise therapy achieves more sustained improvement of joint function and decreases in pain than exercise therapy alone.

Physiotherapy management of knee osteoarthritis in Nigeria-A survey of self-reported treatment preferences

Background:

knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent condition. Little is known about whether treatments provided by physiotherapists to patients with knee OA in Nigeria follow recommended clinical practice guidelines.

Objective:

The aims of this study were to investigate Nigerian physiotherapists' treatment preferences for knee osteoarthritis (OA) and to evaluate if their preferences were in line with contemporary clinical practice guidelines and recommendations.

Methods:

A cross-sectional survey of 267 physiotherapists from various health institutions in Nigeria were surveyed, using a structured questionnaire incorporating a clinical vignette on knee OA.

Results:

Based on the clinical vignette, the majority of the respondents (68.2%) recommended review of x-rays as part of the diagnostic process for knee OA. Thermotherapy was the most utilized modality (86.1%), followed by therapeutic exercise (81.3%). Only 11.1% of the physiotherapists used therapeutic exercise alone. Manual therapy in conjunction with other modalities was the choice for 18% of the physiotherapists. Only 49.1% of the physiotherapists reported including advice on weight control and up to 39% reported bed rest as part of the treatment approach.

Conclusion:

There was a poor consensus among the physiotherapists in Nigeria on how knee OA is managed compared with contemporary clinical guidelines and recommendations which emphasized application of core modalities, such as therapeutic exercises, patients' education, and weight control over passive modalities. Some areas of practice are in line with contemporary guidelines, while some were in conflict with evidence-based practice.

A Review of Persuasive Principles in Mobile Apps for Chronic Arthritis Patients: Opportunities for Improvement

BACKGROUND

Chronic arthritis (CA), an umbrella term for inflammatory rheumatic and other musculoskeletal diseases, is highly prevalent. Effective disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs for CA are available, with the exception of osteoarthritis, but require a long-term commitment of patients to comply with the medication regimen and management program as well as a tight follow-up by the treating physician and health professionals. Additionally, patients are advised to participate in physical exercise programs. Adherence to exercises and physical activity programs is often very low. Patients would benefit from support to increase medication compliance as well as compliance to the physical exercise programs. To address these shortcomings, health apps for CA patients have been created. These mobile apps assist patients in self-management of overall health measures, health prevention, and disease management. By including persuasive principles designed to reinforce, change, or shape attitudes or behaviors, health apps can transform into support tools that motivate and stimulate users to achieve or keep up with target behavior, also called persuasive systems. However, the extent to which health apps for CA patients consciously and successfully employ such persuasive principles remains unknown.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the number and type of persuasive principles present in current health apps for CA patients.

METHODS

A review of apps for arthritis patients was conducted across the three major app stores (Google Play, Apple App Store, and Windows Phone Store). Collected apps were coded according to 37 persuasive principles, based on an altered version of the Persuasive System Design taxonomy of Oinas-Kukkonen and Harjuma and the taxonomy of Behavior Change Techniques of Michie and Abraham. In addition, user ratings, number of installs, and price of the apps were also coded.

RESULTS

We coded 28 apps. On average, 5.8 out of 37 persuasive principles were used in each app. The most used category of persuasive principles was System Credibility with an average of 2.6 principles. Task Support was the second most used, with an average of 2.3 persuasive principles. Next was Dialogue Support with an average of 0.5 principles. Social Support was last with an average of 0.01 persuasive principles only.

CONCLUSIONS

Current health apps for CA patients would benefit from adding Social Support techniques (eg, social media, user fora) and extending Dialogue Support techniques (eg, rewards, praise). The addition of automated tracking of health-related parameters (eg, physical activity, step count) could further reduce the effort for CA patients to manage their disease and thus increase Task Support. Finally, apps for health could benefit from a more evidence-based approach, both in developing the app as well as ensuring that content can be verified as scientifically proven, which will result in enhanced System Credibility.

Nonsurgical Management of Osteoarthritis Knee Pain in the Older Adult

Symptomatic knee osteoarthritis is a common complaint of many elderly patients in primary care offices. For those unable or unwilling to undergo knee replacement, the primary practitioners' understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the available treatment modalities for pain relief is critical to successful in-office counseling and expectation management. Treatment requires a multimodal approach of nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic therapies to achieve a maximal clinical benefit. The focus of this review is on the nonsurgical options for treatment of knee osteoarthritis in patients aged 65 and older.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disorder, is associated with an increasing socioeconomic impact owing to the ageing population and mainly affects the diarthrodial joints. Primary OA results from a combination of risk factors, with increasing age and obesity being the most prominent. The concept of the pathophysiology is still evolving, from being viewed as cartilage-limited to a multifactorial disease that affects the whole joint. An intricate relationship between local and systemic factors modulates its clinical and structural presentations, leading to a common final pathway of joint destruction. Pharmacological treatments are mostly related to relief of symptoms and there is no disease-modifying OA drug (that is, treatment that will reduce symptoms in addition to slowing or stopping the disease progression) yet approved by the regulatory agencies. Identifying phenotypes of patients will enable the detection of the disease in its early stages as well as distinguish individuals who are at higher risk of progression, which in turn could be used to guide clinical decision making and allow more effective and specific therapeutic interventions to be designed. This Primer is an update on the progress made in the field of OA epidemiology, quality of life, pathophysiological mechanisms, diagnosis, screening, prevention and disease management.

Development, characterization and in vitro evaluation of biodegradable rhein-loaded microparticles for treatment of osteoarthritis

Rhein is an active metabolite of the drug diacerein, whose anti-inflammatory properties have been demonstrated in both in vitro and in vivo models. However, the low oral bioavailability of rhein has limited its utility as a potential treatment of osteoarthritis (OA), a chronic inflammatory disease. In order to overcome this limitation, the aim of this work was the development of a drug delivery system intended for intra-articular administration of rhein, based on polymeric biodegradable PLGA microparticles (MPs) loaded with the drug. The MPs, prepared by the emulsion-solvent evaporation technique were characterized in terms of several parameters including morphology, encapsulation efficiency, molecular interactions between components of the formulation and in vitro release profiling. Furthermore, cell-based in vitro studies were performed to evaluate the cytotoxicity of the formulations and their effect on the release of inflammatory markers including pro-inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that the prepared MPs exhibited an almost spherical shape with smooth surface. The size distribution of the prepared MPs ranged between 1.9 and 7.9μm, with mean diameter of 4.23±0.87μm. The optimal encapsulation efficiency of rhein was 63.8±3.0%. The results of powder X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry studies demonstrated that the active ingredient is partially the crystalline state, dispersed in the polymer matrix. This outcome is somewhat reflected in the release kinetics of rhein from the MPs. The cytotoxicity evaluation, carried out in macrophages derived from THP-1 cells, showed that both rhein-loaded MPs and unloaded MPs did not significantly affect the cell viability at MP concentrations up to 13.8μM. In lipopolysaccharide-activated macrophages, the rhein-loaded MPs significantly decreased the production of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and (ROS), when compared to the unloaded MPs. In conclusion, the results of this preliminary study suggest that an MP-based formulation of rhein could be tested in animal models of inflammation, aiming for an injectable commercial product capable of providing a therapeutic solution to patients suffering from chronic joint diseases.

The Effects of Acupuncture on Chronic Knee Pain Due to Osteoarthritis: A Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Acupuncture reportedly relieves chronic knee pain and improves physical function in patients diagnosed with osteoarthritis, but the duration of these effects is controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the temporal effects of acupuncture on chronic knee pain due to knee osteoarthritis by means of a meta-analysis.

METHODS

The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched for studies published through March 2015. Ten randomized controlled trials of acupuncture compared with sham acupuncture, usual care, or no intervention for chronic knee pain in patients with clinically diagnosed or radiographically confirmed knee osteoarthritis were included. All of the studies were available in English. Weighted mean differences (WMDs), 95% confidence intervals (CIs), publication bias, and heterogeneity were calculated.

RESULTS

The acupuncture groups showed superior pain improvement (p < 0.001; WMD = -1.24 [95% CI, -1.92 to -0.56]; I(2) > 50%) and physical function (p < 0.001; WMD = 4.61 [95% CI, 2.24 to 6.97]; I(2) > 50%) in the short term (up to 13 weeks). The acupuncture groups showed superior physical function (p = 0.016; WMD = 2.73 [95% CI, 0.51 to 4.94]; I(2) > 50%) but not superior pain improvement (p = 0.199; WMD = -0.55 [95% CI, -1.39 to 0.29]; I(2) > 50%) in the long term (up to 26 weeks). Subgroup analysis revealed that the acupuncture groups tended to have better outcomes compared with the controls. Significant publication bias was not detected (p > 0.05), but the heterogeneity of the studies was substantial.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis demonstrates that acupuncture can improve short and long-term physical function, but it appears to provide only short-term pain relief in patients with chronic knee pain due to osteoarthritis.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

[Osteoarthritis and patient therapeutic education, learning to move more]

As part of the prevention strategies offered to people with osteoarthritis, therapeutic education plays a key role. It seeks to help the patient become a player in their own care and focuses in particular on the factors influencing regular participation in suitable physical activity.

Relative efficacy of different types of exercise for treatment of knee and hip osteoarthritis: protocol for network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

BACKGROUND

'Exercise' is universally recommended as a core treatment for knee and hip osteoarthritis (OA). However, there are very few head-to-head comparative trials to determine the relative efficacy between different types of exercise. The aim of this study is to benchmark different types of exercises against each other through the use of a common comparator in a network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs).

METHODS

This study will include only RCTs published in peer-reviewed journals. A systematic search will be conducted in several electronic databases and other relevant online resources. No limitations are imposed on language or publication date. Participants must be explicitly identified by authors as having OA. Interventions that involved exercise or comparators in any form will be included. Pain is the primary outcome of interest; secondary outcomes will include function and quality of life measures. Quality assessment of studies will be based on the modified Cochrane's risk of bias assessment tool. At least two investigators will be involved throughout all stages of screening and data acquisition. Conflicts will be resolved through discussion. Conventional meta-analysis will be performed based on random effects model and network meta-analysis on a Bayesian model. Subgroup analysis will also be conducted based on study, patient and disease characteristics.

DISCUSSION

This study will provide for the first time comprehensive research evidence for the relative efficacy of different exercise regimens for treatment of OA. We will use network meta-analysis of existing RCT data to answer this question.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42016033865.

Clinical algorithms to aid osteoarthritis guideline dissemination

BACKGROUND

Numerous scientific organisations have developed evidence-based recommendations aiming to optimise the management of osteoarthritis (OA). Uptake, however, has been suboptimal. The purpose of this exercise was to harmonize the recent recommendations and develop a user-friendly treatment algorithm to facilitate translation of evidence into practice.

METHODS

We updated a previous systematic review on clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for OA management. The guidelines were assessed using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation for quality and the standards for developing trustworthy CPGs as established by the National Academy of Medicine (NAM). Four case scenarios and algorithms were developed by consensus of a multidisciplinary panel.

RESULTS

Sixteen guidelines were included in the systematic review. Most recommendations were directed toward physicians and allied health professionals, and most had multi-disciplinary input. Analysis for trustworthiness suggests that many guidelines still present a lack of transparency. A treatment algorithm was developed for each case scenario advised by recommendations from guidelines and based on panel consensus.

CONCLUSION

Strategies to facilitate the implementation of guidelines in clinical practice are necessary. The algorithms proposed are examples of how to apply recommendations in the clinical context, helping the clinician to visualise the patient flow and timing of different treatment modalities.

Cost-Utility and Cost-Effectiveness Analyses of Face-to-Face Versus Telephone-Based Nonpharmacologic Multidisciplinary Treatments for Patients With Generalized Osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate, from a societal perspective, the cost utility and cost effectiveness of a nonpharmacologic face-to-face treatment program compared with a telephone-based treatment program for patients with generalized osteoarthritis (GOA).

METHODS

An economic evaluation was carried out alongside a randomized clinical trial involving 147 patients with GOA. Program costs were estimated from time registrations. One-year medical and nonmedical costs were estimated using cost questionnaires. Quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) were estimated using the EuroQol (EQ) classification system, EQ rating scale, and the Short Form 6D (SF-6D). Daily function was measured using the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) disability index (DI). Cost and QALY/effect differences were analyzed using multilevel regression analysis and cost-effectiveness acceptability curves.

RESULTS

Medical costs of the face-to-face treatment and telephone-based treatment were estimated at €387 and €252, respectively. The difference in total societal costs was nonsignificantly in favor of the face-to-face program (difference €708; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] -€5,058, €3,642). QALYs were similar for both groups according to the EQ, but were significantly in favor of the face-to-face group, according to the SF-6D (difference 0.022 [95% CI 0.000, 0.045]). Daily function was similar according to the HAQ DI. Since both societal costs and QALYs/effects were in favor of the face-to-face program, the economic assessment favored this program, regardless of society's willingness to pay. There was a 65-90% chance that the face-to-face program had better cost utility and a 60-70% chance of being cost effective.

CONCLUSION

This economic evaluation from a societal perspective showed that a nonpharmacologic, face-to-face treatment program for patients with GOA was likely to be cost effective, relative to a telephone-based program.

Reasons for Treatment Choices in Knee and Hip Osteoarthritis: A Qualitative Study

OBJECTIVE

Conservative treatment modalities in osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip or knee are underused, whereas the demand for surgery is rising substantially. To improve the use of conservative treatment modalities, a more in-depth understanding of the reasons for patients' treatment choices is required. This study identifies the reasons for choice of treatment in patients with hip or knee OA.

METHODS

Semistructured in-depth interviews with 24 OA patients were held. Stratified purposive sampling was used to enrich data variation. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and subsequently coded using a thematic approach. Two independent researchers reflected on, compared, discussed, and adjusted the coding.

RESULTS

Various treatment modalities were discussed by respondents: medication, exercise, physical therapy, injections, surgery, complementary, and alternative treatment. Four key themes underlying the choice for or against a treatment modality for OA were identified: 1) treatment characteristics: expectations about its effectiveness and risks, the degree to which it can be personalized to a patient's needs and wishes, and the accessibility of a treatment; 2) personal investment in terms of money and time; 3) personal circumstances: age, body weight, comorbidities, and previous experience with a treatment; and 4) support and advice from the patient's social environment and health care providers.

CONCLUSION

The 4 identified key themes enhance the insight of health care providers into the widespread reasons influencing patients' treatment choices for knee or hip OA. This knowledge can be used in clinical practice to aid shared decision making, which may lead to optimized treatment choices for both conservative and surgical treatment.

[Functional status, self-rated health and level of physical activity of patients with osteoarthritis]

OBJECTIVE

To describe the functional status and self-rated health of patients with osteoarthritis (OA) in Primary Care, and checking their relationship with the level of physical activity and sociodemographic characteristics.

DESIGN

Study of prevalence and cross association.

SETTING

Primary Care Clinics.

PARTICIPANTS

Adult patients with a diagnosis of OA in any joint in their clinical records. Out of a total of 487 selected, 346 (71.0%) took part in the study.

MAIN MEASUREMENTS

Functional capacity (WOMAC scale), self-rated quality of life (EuroQol- 5D questionnaire), physical activity (IPAQ questionnaire), number of affected joints, pain level, and sociodemographic characteristics.

RESULTS

A mean score of 30.2 (SD: 20.8; CI 95% CI: 28.0 to 32.4) was obtained on the WOMAC scale, with pain, stiffness, and functional capacity scores of 6.5 (SD: 4.8), 1.9 (SD: 2.0), and 21.7 (SD: 15.7), respectively. The score showed a linear trend (P<.001) compared to the level of physical activity, being 41.1 (SD: 19.9) in inactive subjects, 24.3 (SD: 18.7) in subjects with moderate activity, and 22.3 (SD: 19.8) in subjects with intense activity. In the multiple linear regression, the score on the WOMAC scale, as well as that obtained in self-rated health status, maintained their association with physical activity level after adjusting for sociodemographic variables and the number of affected joints.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with OA, pain and functional capacity are the most affected dimensions. Functional status and self-rated health status are higher in active patients, regardless of the number of joints affected and their demographic characteristics.

Multidisciplinary approaches to managing osteoarthritis in multiple joint sites: a systematic review

Background

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s Osteoarthritis (OA) guidelines recommended that future research should consider the benefits of combination therapies in people with OA across multiple joint sites. However, the clinical effectiveness of such approaches to OA management is unknown. This systematic review therefore aimed to identify the clinical and cost effectiveness of multidisciplinary approaches targeting multiple joint sites for OA in primary care.

Methods

A systematic review of randomised controlled trials. Computerised bibliographic databases were searched (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsychINFO, BNI, HBE, HMIC, AMED, Web of Science and Cochrane). Studies were included if they met the following criteria; a randomised controlled trial (RCT), a primary care population with OA across at least two different peripheral joint sites (multiple joint sites), and interventions undertaken by at least two different health disciplines (multidisciplinary). The Cochrane ‘Risk of Bias’ tool and PEDro were used for quality assessment of eligible studies. Clinical and cost effectiveness was determined by extracting and examining self-reported outcomes for pain, function, quality of life (QoL) and health care utilisation. The date range for the search was from database inception until August 2015.

Results

The search identified 1148 individual titles of which four were included in the review. A narrative review was conducted due to the heterogeneity of the included trials. Each of the four trials used either educational or exercise interventions facilitated by a range of different health disciplines. Moderate clinical benefits on pain, function and QoL were reported across the studies. The beneficial effects of exercise generally decreased over time within all studies. Two studies were able to show a reduction in healthcare utilisation due to a reduction in visits to a physiotherapist or a reduction in x-rays and orthopaedic referrals. The intervention that showed the most promise used educational interventions delivered by GPs with reinforcement by practice nurses.

Conclusions

There are currently very few studies that target multidisciplinary approaches suitable for OA across multiple joint sites, in primary care. A more consistent approach to outcome measurement in future studies of this nature should be considered to allow for better comparison.

Comparable effects of exercise and analgesics for pain secondary to knee osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis of trials included in Cochrane systematic reviews

AIM

Evidence of comparative effectiveness of different treatment approaches is important for clinical decision-making, yet absent for most recommended treatments of knee osteoarthritis pain. The objective of this study was to estimate the comparative effectiveness of exercise versus orally administered analgesics for pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

METHODS

The Cochrane Database of systematic reviews was searched for meta-analyses of randomized controlled studies comparing exercise or analgesics with a control group (placebo or usual care) and with pain as an outcome. Individual study estimates were identified and effect sizes were calculated from group differences. We combined study-level effects on pain with a random effects meta-analysis and compared effect sizes between exercise trials and trials with analgesic interventions.

RESULTS

We included six Cochrane reviews (four pharmacology, two exercise). From these, 54 trials were eligible (20 pharmacology, 34 exercise), with 9806 participants (5627 pharmacology, 4179 exercise). The pooled effect size of pharmacological pain interventions was 0.41 (95% CI: 0.23-0.59) and for exercise 0.46 standardized mean difference (95% CI: 0.34-0.59). There was no statistically significant difference between the two types of intervention (difference: 0.06 standardized mean difference [95% CI: -0.28-0.16; p = 0.61]).

CONCLUSION

This meta-epidemiological study provides indirect evidence that for knee osteoarthritis pain, the effects from exercise and from oral analgesics are comparable. These results may support shared decision-making where a patient for some reason is unable to exercise or who consider exercise as unviable and analgesics as a more feasible choice. PROSPERO registration: CRD42013006924.