Osteoarthrosis (OA) is one of the most common disorders which results in early disability. The paper discusses current approaches to the management of patients with OA. Recent guidelines recommend complex treatment which includes non-pharmacological methods, pharmacotherapy, and surgery. The European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis (ESCEO) developed basic principles of OA treatment. According to these recommendations, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should be used carefully whereas symptomatic slow-acting drugs for OA (SYSDOA) are effective and safe. Slow-acting drugs (e.g., chondroprotectors) should be prescribed early for OA. Amongst these agents, glucosamine is of special interest. European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) recommendations 2003 support its chondroprotective action. The paper summarizes the results of multiple studies which indicate that glucosamine is safe and reduces pain and improves function in OA. Long-term randomized studies demonstrate that glucosamine prevents progressive knee joint space narrowing in OA.

Keywords: osteoarthrosis, complex management approach, slow-acting drugs, glucosamine, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

For citation: Imametdinova G.R., Igolkina E.V. Complex approach to the treatment of osteoarthrosis // RMJ. Rheumatology. 2016. № 2. P. 115–120.