Are bisphosphonates effective in the treatment of osteoarthritis pain? A meta-analysis and systematic review.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis worldwide. Pain and reduced function are the main symptoms in this prevalent disease. There are currently no treatments for OA that modify disease progression; therefore analgesic drugs and joint replacement for larger joints are the standard of care. In light of several recent studies reporting the use of bisphosphonates for OA treatment, our work aimed to evaluate published literature to assess the effectiveness of bisphosphonates in OA treatment.

Methods

Literature databases were searched from inception to the 30th June 2012 for clinical trials of bisphosphonates to treat OA pain. Data was appraised and levels of evidence determined qualitatively using best evidence synthesis from the Cochrane Collaboratio

SUBMITTER: Davis AJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3762823 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature