Placebo response to intra-articular injections in knee osteoarthritis: magnitude, evolution over time, and influencing factors. A systematic review and meta-analysis with meta-regression.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

To quantify the response to intra-articular saline administration in terms of pain, function, and quality of life, with a focus on the evolution of placebo response over time and the identification of influencing factors on the placebo response to knee osteoarthritis injections.

Methods

After registration on PROSPERO, a systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines to identify double-blind, placebo-controlled randomised clinical trials on intra-articular knee injections for knee osteoarthritis. The placebo response was evaluated through meta-analyses of VAS pain, WOMAC, KOOS, and responder rates at 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-months on placebo arms of included trials. The evolution of placebo response over time was assessed, and meta-regression was conducted. Ri

SUBMITTER: Previtali D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12495556 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature