Mục tiêu của điều trị viêm xương khớp để giảm đau và để duy trì hoặc cải thiện chức năng khớp. Việc điều trị dược lý của tình trạng này bao gồm việc sử dụng aspirin, acetaminophen, và các thuốc chống viêm không steroid. Gần đây, nhiều nghiên cứu đã điều tra vai trò tiềm năng của các đại lý chondroprotective trong sửa chữa sụn khớp và giảm tốc độ các quá trình thoái hóa. | Perspectives on Modern Orthopaedics Use of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate in the Management of Osteoarthritis Andrew A. Brief MD Stephen G. Maurer MD and Paul E. Di Cesare MD Abstract The goals of osteoarthritis therapy are to decrease pain and to maintain or improve joint function. The pharmacologic treatment of this condition has included the use of aspirin acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. More recently numerous studies have investigated the potential role of chondroprotective agents in repairing articular cartilage and decelerating the degenerative process. The reports of limited clinical experience with two of these agents glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate as well as the accompanying publicity in the popular media have generated controversy. Advocates of these alternative modalities cite reports of progressive and gradual decline of joint pain and tenderness improved mobility sustained improvement after drug withdrawal and a lack of significant toxicity associated with short-term use of these agents. Critics point out that in the great majority of the relevant clinical trials sample sizes were small and follow-up was short-term. J Am Acad Orthop Surg 2001 9 71-78 Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent musculoskeletal condition more than 70 of the population 65 years of age or older demonstrate radiographic evidence of this process 1 with an incidence approximately twice as high in women as in Substantial patient morbidity from pain and loss of function can be attributed to this disease. Despite the high prevalence of osteoarthritis its precise biochemical mechanisms are not yet completely understood. Characteristics of osteoarthritic cartilage include an increase in the water content and degradation of the extracellular matrix including alteration of the proteoglycans . shorter chains and a decrease in the ratio of chondroitin to keratan sulfate . These changes predispose to progressive deterioration with eventual loss of .
