Assessment of knee osteoarthritis treatment in patients attending the University Hospital of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of treatment in knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients at the University Hospital of Kinshasa.
Design: A cross-sectional outpatients study.
Setting: The present study analyzed eight months data (from 3rd January to 28th August 2012).
Methods: One hundred and one patients were included in the study, of whom 78 were females. Their average age was 58.8 ± 10.0 years. The mean values of the strength quadriceps were 18.99 ± 6.29 Kgf and 20.58 ± 6.24 Kgf on the left and on the right respectively. All patients received Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). Injections of betamethazone in the knee were done in 73 patients. Quadriceps toning sessions were performed by 72 patients, as home self-rehabilitation for 57 patients (79,2%) and by a kinesist at the UHK for 15 patients (20.8%). A significant reduction of pain intensity and functional disability was observed after one week of NSAIDs (p <0.001). Steroid injections significantly reduced pain and improved joint function between inclusion and 4 weeks later (p <0.001). The quadriceps toning exercises improved the quadriceps strength and knee flexion after 4 weeks of treatment (p <0.001).
Results: Demographic and clinical data, and X-rays damages were noted. The primary endpoint was the measurement of Mansat and Lequesne score, the quadriceps strength and pain/VAS, and the secondary endpoint was their evolution after treatment.
Conclusion: The present study shows a good clinical evolution of knee OA during the first month of medical and physical treatment in Congolese patients.