Current status of glucosamine and chondroitin therapy in osteoarthritis
Abstract: Osteoarthritis (OA)
is the most common form of arthritis. Radiographic and or pathologic changes of
OA are present in most people older than 65 years old. The management of OA is
divided into medical / non surgical and surgical treatment. The medical
treatment consisted of pharmacologic and non pharmacologic treatment. The
pharmacologic treatment of OA is still problematic for many patients, either
due to a lack of efficacy or due to the toxicity of the drugs used in the
treatment of OA, so that many OA patients seek for alternative medication.
Glucosamine and chondroitin are the most commonly used alternative agents for
the treatment in OA. Many studies had been conducted to evaluate the efficacy
of glucosamine and chondroitin in the treatment of OA. So far the result is
controversial. The purpose of this article is to highlight the current status
of the use of glucosamine and chondroitin in OA treatment. (Med J Indones 2005;
14: 55-8)
Author: Errol Hutagalung
Journal Code: jpkedokterangg050112
