A critical appraisal of guidelines for the management of knee osteoarthritis using Appraisal of Guidelines Research and Evaluation criteria
2007

Review of Knee Osteoarthritis Management Guidelines

Sample size: 13 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Poitras Stéphane, Avouac Jérôme, Rossignol Michel, Avouac Bernard, Cedraschi Christine, Nordin Margareta, Rousseaux Chantal, Rozenberg Sylvie, Savarieau Bernard, Thoumie Philippe, Valat Jean-Pierre, Vignon Éric, Hilliquin Pascal

Primary Institution: Université McGill, Montréal, Canada

Hypothesis

The review aims to summarize existing guidelines on knee osteoarthritis and assess their quality using the AGREE tool.

Conclusion

The review found that while some guidelines effectively addressed certain domains, many failed to meet quality standards, particularly in stakeholder involvement and applicability.

Supporting Evidence

  • Acetaminophen was recommended for initial pain treatment combined with exercise and education.
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were recommended if acetaminophen failed to control pain, but with caution due to gastrointestinal risks.
  • Surgery was recommended for patients with persistent pain and disability.

Takeaway

This study looked at different guidelines for treating knee pain and found that many of them don't do a good job of explaining how to help patients.

Methodology

The study reviewed six guidelines identified through a search of medical literature databases and assessed their quality using the AGREE instrument.

Potential Biases

Potential conflicts of interest were not always disclosed in the guidelines.

Limitations

The guidelines varied in their coverage of interventions and the quality of evidence presented.

Participant Demographics

The review involved 13 clinician researchers from various medical backgrounds.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/ar2339

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication