Intra-Articular Injection of Tenoxicam in the Treatment of Osteoarthritis of the Knee

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine whether tenoxicam, administered by the intra-articular route, is useful for the treatment of osteoarthritis [OA] of the knee.

Methods: Patients with knee OA were placed into three groups. Patients with no evidence of inflammation were randomized into Groups 1 and 2. Group 3 consisted of patients with knee OA with associated signs of inflammation. Groups 1 and 3 received three weekly intra-articular injections of tenoxicam, whereas only physical exercise was applied to Group 2. The Western Ontario McMaster Universities Index [WOMAC], the Lequesne Index for knee OA, and physical examination findings of the knee joint were used in the clinical and functional evaluations at baseline and months 1, 3, and 6.

Results: A total of 63 subjects participated in this study. Statistically significant improvements from baseline were detected in Group 1 and Group 3, but not in Group 2. There was no lasting benefit from tenoxicam therapy since Groups 1 and 2 showed no significant differences at the six-month conclusion of the study. Similarly, Group 1 and Group 3 did not differ significantly.

Conclusions: Intra-articular tenoxicam therapy seemed to show greater efficacy for pain and improvement of functional performance than exercise therapy alone, but the effects were no longer present. Tenoxicam, given intra-articularly, may provide benefit from the symptoms of OA, but the effects are transient.

KEYWORDS:

• Tenoxicam
• intra-articular administration
• osteoarthritis
• knee joint