OAK Impactful Statements

OAK Impactful Statements

The following impactful statements are based on the Treatment of Osteoarthritis of the Knee (2^nd Edition) Clinical Practice Guideline.

1. Self-managed exercise and strengthening programs should be encouraged for patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee.
2. For patients with a BMI ≥ 25, weight loss is suggested due to improved outcomes.
3. Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate should not be administered to patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee due to a lack of efficacy.
4. Hyaluronic Acid should not be used for patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee due to a lack of efficacy.
5. Arthroscopic debridement should not be used for patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee due to the lack of treatment benefits and increased risks associated with surgery.

The following recommendation is the basis of the statements above.

1. We recommend that patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee participate in self-management programs, strengthening, low-impact aerobic exercises, and neuromuscular education; and engage in physical activity consistent with national guidelines.
2. We suggest weight loss for patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee and a BMI ≥ 25.
3. We cannot recommend using glucosamine and chondroitin for patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee.
4. We cannot recommend using hyaluronic acid for patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee.
5. We cannot recommend performing arthroscopy with lavage and/or debridement in patients with a primary diagnosis of symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee.