[The use of rumalon in gonarthrosis]

An open prospective study in 100 industrial workers suffering from gonarthrosis has been performed 80 patients were treated with rumalon, 30 ml injections, twice/year, for 3 years in combination with ibuprofen film tabs, max daily dose (when required) 1800 mg. 20 patients have received ibuprofen only, the same dose. The control group was matched by sex, age, profession and duration of service. Significant differences for functional index of Lequesne between the two groups were detected after 1.5 years of the treatment (p < 0.05). An increase in the range of movements in knee joints in rumalon group was detected in comparison with the control group (p < 0.04). The improvement of joint function was achieved in 87% of the rumalon group patients while in the control group half of the patients got aggravation. The analysis of x-ray data has revealed no significant differences between the two groups. Rumalon is an effective agent against pain syndrome in gonarthrosis patients, preserves and improves joint function. Rumalon should be administered for long-term periods.