Oral versus topical Ibuprofen for chronic knee pain: a prospective randomized pilot study.
BACKGROUND
Topical ibuprofen provides an alternative treatment to oral ibuprofen for the treatment of chronic knee pain.


OBJECTIVE
To compare the efficacy of topical versus oral ibuprofen in chronic knee pain treatment.


METHODS
Prospective, randomized, unblinded pilot study.


METHODS
A private pain management practice.


METHODS
Twenty patients received either ibuprofen tablets 3 times daily (2400 mg total) or 4% topical gel 4 times daily (320 mg total) for 2 weeks. Subjects completed the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) Osteoarthritis Index, the Medical Outcomes Study 12-Item Short Form (SF-12v2) Health Survey, and a satisfaction questionnaire.


RESULTS
Comparison of WOMAC and SF-12v2 mean changes from baseline showed no differences between groups. Patient satisfaction and study treatment convenience were rated equivalently between groups. Within the topical group, significant improvements (P < 0.05) were experienced in the mean differences of WOMAC Pain scores from baseline to 2 weeks (-82.6, -158.3 to -6.8), WOMAC Stiffness scores from baseline to one week (-25.3, -50.0 to -0.6) and baseline to 2 weeks (-47.8, -95.7 to 0.1), WOMAC Physical Function scores from baseline to one week (-175.9, -348.6 to -3.2) and baseline to 2 weeks (-312.1, -580.5 to -43.7), and patient satisfaction scores from baseline to one week and baseline to 2 weeks. Within the oral group, significant improvements (P < 0.05) were experienced in mean differences of WOMAC Physical Function from baseline to one week (-342.6, -638.1 to -47.1) and baseline to 2 weeks (-323.2, -637.1 to -9.2).


CONCLUSIONS
As this was a preliminary investigation, the sample size of 20 subjects is a limitation in this study.


CONCLUSIONS
Treatment of chronic knee pain with topical ibuprofen provided comparable clinical efficacy and patient satisfaction as oral ibuprofen in this pilot study.
Tiso
Robert L
RL
New York Spine and Wellness Center, Syracuse, NY, USA.
Tong-Ngork
Sarani
S
Fredlund
Katherine L
KL
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000287:Administration, Topical; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007052:Ibuprofen / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020370:Osteoarthritis, Knee / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D010865:Pilot Projects
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D007052:Ibuprofen