Metformin: pioneering a path forward in knee osteoarthritis care?
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent chronic articular disease characterised by cartilage degeneration, which results in a progressive reduction in cartilage mass owing to the loss of chondrocytes. This degeneration initiates a cycle of inadequate bone remodelling and concurrent destruction by inflammatory mediators. Symptoms commonly include severe pain, inflammation, and swelling that significantly affect daily activities1. Recent epidemiological data indicate a substantial global burden, with an estimated 240 million individuals worldwide experiencing symptomatic OA. Among individuals aged older than or equal to 60 years, ~10% of men and 18% of women are affected. According to recent findings from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD), the age-standardised point prevalence and annual incidence rate of symptomatic, radiographically confirmed hip and knee OA had experienced notable increases since 1990, with rates of 3754.2 [Uncertainty Index (UI) 3389.4–4187.6) and 181.2 (UI 162.6–202.4)] per 100 000, respectively2. Current treatment landscapes OA stands out among chronic aging conditions due to its limited options for effective therapies, none of which have demonstrated efficacy in slowing disease progression. Traditionally, management, as outlined by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, has primarily relied on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroid injections, with knee replacement surgery emerging as the…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 240 participants or records.
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