title: Conservative treatment modalities and outcomes for osteoarthritis: the concomitant pyramid of treatment.
abstract: This article reviews current treatment algorithms for the conservative treatment of hip and knee osteoarthritis. The available treatment options for osteoarthritis (physical therapy, medical therapeutics, steroid injections, nutraceuticals, hyaluronic acid injections, acupuncture, pulsed electrical stimulation, and topical ointments) are compared to determine efficacy in the treatment of pain and return of function in the osteoarthritic joint. A literature review was conducted to determine combinations of appropriate concomitant therapy. Based on the available literature, we conclude that an early transition to multimodal and concomitant therapy is the most efficacious approach to decrease pain and improve joint function in the osteoarthritic hip and knee.
authors.affiliation: , , Michael J. Langworthy MD 1 Amira Saad MD 2 Nadia M. Langworthy MD 3 1Battle Creek Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Clinic Battle Creek MI 2Michigan State University East Lansing MI 3University of Michigan Ann Arbor MI Correspondence: Michael J. Langworthy MD Battle Creek Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Clinic 6417 N. 39th St. Augusta MI 49012. Tel: 269-209-5066 Fax: 269-969-6283 E-mail: lcdrlang@aol.com, , .
authors.forename: Michael J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Langworthy
authors.forename: Amira
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Saad
authors.forename: Nadia M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Langworthy
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007270:Injections, Intra-Articular; D007719:Knee Joint; D020370:Osteoarthritis, Knee; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D006820:Hyaluronic Acid