Oral and intra-articular remedies: Review of papers published from March 2001 to February 2002

There have been considerable advances in the drug treatments used to treat osteoarthritis. The development of selective cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors (COX-II) and confirmation of their efficacy and gastrointestinal safety will reduce treatment morbidity in the elderly. Guidelines for safe and appropriate use of COX-II drugs are now available. The role of anti-inflammatory drugs in precipitating cardiorenal events has been highlighted but remains to be fully evaluated. Glucosamine, diacerein, and hyaluronan may all be disease-modifying drugs for osteoarthritis but confirmatory studies are still needed. (C) 2002 Lippincott Williams Wilkins, Inc.