Rheumatology
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Short-term outcome of painful bone marrow oedema of the knee following oral treatment with iloprost or tramadol: results of an exploratory phase II study of 41 patients.
To compare the therapeutic effects of oral iloprost and tramadol on the outcome of bone marrow oedema (BME) of the knee by MR imaging and clinical assessment. ⋯ The analgesic effect of iloprost and tramadol was similar. BME regression on MR images was more pronounced under iloprost treatment.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Cost-effectiveness of Spa treatment for fibromyalgia: general health improvement is not for free.
To estimate the cost-effectiveness of an adjuvant treatment course of spa treatment compared with usual care only in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FM). ⋯ The temporary improvement in quality of life due to an adjuvant treatment course of spa therapy for patients with FM is associated with limited incremental costs per patient.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Severe knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial of acupuncture, physiotherapy (supervised exercise) and standard management for patients awaiting knee replacement.
To evaluate the effects of standardized western acupuncture and physiotherapy on pain and functional ability in patients with severe osteoarthritic knee pain awaiting knee arthroplasty. ⋯ We have demonstrated that patients with severe knee osteoarthritis can achieve a short-term reduction in OKS when treated with acupuncture. However, we failed to demonstrate any other clinically or statically significant effects between the groups. Both interventions can be delivered effectively in an out-patient group setting at a district general hospital. Further study is needed to evaluate the combined effects of these treatments.