[The long-term treatment of gonarthrosis with rumalon]

The aim of the study is the clinical and roentgenologic assessment of the results of the treatment of gonarthrosis with Rumalon. 54 patients with gonarthrosis in the II and III roentgenologic stage were followed up for 2 years and 30 of them--for 4 years. 4 courses of Rumalon treatment were applied and in the 30 patients a 5th course was applied during the 4th years. The results at the end of the 2d and 4th year were similar which indicates a stabilization of the disease in the patients treated. 8 patients deteriorated. They include 6 patients with advanced roentgenologic changes at the beginning of the treatment, 4 out of 6 patients with transitory synovitis and 7 patients with knee joint instability who used auxiliary means in walking. No side effects were found. The conclusion is that Rumalon treatment leads to stabilization of the disease in its early stages but is inefficient in the advanced stages.