EVALUATION OF THE ROLE OF GLUCOSAMINE SULFATE AND VITAMIN CAS A CHONDROPROTECTIVE AGENTS IN KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS

Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disease. OA is a condition of synovial joints characterized by focal cartilage loss and an accompanying reparative bone response. Typical radiographic features are joint space narrowing and the presence of osteophytes and sclerosis. OA is strongly related to age. It is rare under 40 years of age without trauma, but at least half of those over age 60 years have radiographic evidence of OA. Interest in complementary therapies in many areas of medicine is

growing and patients with chronic diseases, concerned about the possible adverse effects of many orthodox treatments, frequently seek alternatives • that are seen as 'natural' and therefore harmless.

The aim of this study was to evaluate glucosamine sulphate &

vitamin C in OA knee as chondroprotective agents.

This study included 60 patients having primary OA of the knee and 12 healthy subjects as a control group. The groups were randomly divided as follow: Group 1: Received glucosamine sulfate 1500 mg +Vitamin C 900 mg daily divided in three time daily dose Group II: Received vitamin C (VC) capsule 1000 mg daily divided into two doses Group III: Placebo group

All patients groups were subjected to the following:

a) Clinical examination b) Functional evaluation