Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce short term pain in osteoarthritis of the knee slightly better than placebo, but there is no evidence of long term benefit. In a meta-analysis of randomised, placebo controlled trials, Bjordal and colleagues (p 1317) analysed data on change in the overall intensity of pain for 7807 patients taking NSAIDs and 3038 receiving placebo. Given the serious adverse effects of NSAIDs, they recommend only limited use of these drugs in osteoarthritis of the knee.
Figure 1.
Credit: TEK IMAGES/SPL