Intra articular dextrose injection may relieve knee arthritis pain

Researchers at a Chinese University of Hong Kong have found in a randomized controlled trial that intra-articular-only injection therapy with hypertonic dextrose is safe and effective for alleviating symptoms of knee osteoarthritis. The findings of the study have been published in Annals of Family Medicine.

Knee pain can be debilitating and may negatively affect body image and emotional well-being.The management measures of pain may include Weight management, exercises/strengthening programs, physical therapy, physical modalities, medications, intra-articular knee injections, and surgery.

The agents most commonly used for intra-articular knee injection include corticosteroids, infliximab, hyaluronic acid, botulinum neurotoxin, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP). But role of hypertonic dextrose is not defined.

The researchers conducted a single-center, parallel-group, blinded, randomized controlled trial at a university primary care clinic in Hong Kong.

Over 52 weeks of treatment, the study followed 76 patients who were between 45 and 75 years old who had been diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis and who suffered moderate to severe chronic knee pain for at least three months. One group of 38 patients received the hypertonic dextrose injection therapy, while the other had the same therapy only using normal saline. While both groups reported some improvement, the hypertonic dextrose group reported more significant reductions in pain by the conclusion of the study. The researchers note that longer-term follow-up, direct comparison with other injection therapies, and cost-effective analysis are all needed.

The researchers concluded that Intra-articular dextrose prolotherapy injections reduced pain, improved function and quality of life in patients with Knee Osteoarthritis compared with blinded saline injections. The procedure is straightforward and safe; the adherence and satisfaction were high.

For further reference log on to:

Efficacy of Intra-Articular Hypertonic Dextrose (Prolotherapy) for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Regina Wing Shan Sit, MBBS, et al

The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, Hong Kong

http://www.annfammed.org/content/18/3/235