[Radiological progression of internal femoro-tibial osteoarthritis in gonarthrosis. Chondro-protective effect of chondroitin sulfates ACS4-ACS6].
OBJECTIVE
To confirm the structure-modulating properties of ACS4-ACS6 in gonathrosis by measuring the modifications in minimum joint space width, the mean thickness and the mean surface of the cartilage in internal femorotibial function.


METHODS
This was a double blind prospective study versus placebo including 300 symptomatic patients with internal femorotibial gonathrosis. The measurements were made with a semi-automatic method validated from digitalized radiological images taken at two years in each patient.


RESULTS
There was an equal number of dropouts in the 2 groups (40 in the ACS4-ACS6 group and 41 in the placebo group). After 2 years, there was a significant difference, with worsening of the affection in the placebo group. In the group treated with ACS4-ACS6, there was no significant variation in all the radiological parameters, which remained remarkably stable. When comparing the 2 groups, the statistical analysis revealed a significant difference in the ACS4-ACS6 group with maintenance of the cartilage analyzed, not only in the intent-to-treat patients but also in the per protocol population.


CONCLUSIONS
ACS4-ACS6 is superior to the placebo with regard to the stabilization of minimum joint space width of the internal femorotibial articular space, the mean thickness and the surface.
Mathieu
Pierre
P
Service de rhumatologie du Pr Vignon, CH Lyon Sud, 165, chemin du Grand Revoyet, 69495 Pierre-Bénite. pierre-.mathieu.rhumato@wanadoo.fr
D000368:Aged; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000187:drug effects*; D002809:Chondroitin Sulfates / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005269:Femur / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020370:Osteoarthritis, Knee / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010919:Placebos; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013977:Tibia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013997:Time Factors
D010919:Placebos; D002809:Chondroitin Sulfates