title: Knee osteoarthritis: Therapeutic alternatives in primary care.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To discusses pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapeutic alternatives for managing knee osteoarthritis in primary care by primary health care nurse practitioners.
  
  
  METHODS
  A case example is presented, the evidence-based guideline recommendations of the Osteoarthritis Research Society International and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons are reviewed, and a plan of care is developed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis seen in primary care, and it is a major public health issue because the aging population and widespread obesity have drastically increased incidence. Osteoarthritis is clinically associated with escalating chronic pain, physical disability, and decreased quality of life. Early diagnosis of mild osteoarthritis in relatively young patients presents an opportunity for primary health care providers to manage pain, increase quality of life, and decrease risk of disability.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Primary health care providers can implement these recommendations in their own practices to provide care to patients with knee osteoarthritis based on current best evidence.
authors.affiliation: Allison L Evaniew, Nathan Evaniew, Division of Orthopaedics, Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton L8L 8E7, Canada.
authors.forename: Allison L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Evaniew
authors.affiliation: Allison L Evaniew, Nathan Evaniew, Division of Orthopaedics, Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton L8L 8E7, Canada.
authors.forename: Nathan
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Evaniew
keywords: Guidelines; Knee; Nurse practitioner; Osteoarthritis; Primary care