J Rheumatol
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Review Meta Analysis
Tramadol for osteoarthritis: a systematic review and metaanalysis.
Tramadol is increasingly used for the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) because it does not produce gastrointestinal bleeding or renal problems and does not affect articular cartilage. We sought to determine the analgesic effectiveness, the effect on physical function, the duration of benefit, and the safety of oral tramadol in people with OA. ⋯ Tramadol or tramadol/paracetamol decreases pain intensity, produces symptom relief, and improves function in patients with OA, but these benefits are small.