Designed and created by Guideline Central in participation with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Non-Arthroplasty Treatment of Osteoarthritis of the Knee
Patient Guideline Summary
Publication Date: September 1, 2021
Last Updated: March 3, 2023
Objective
Objective
This patient summary means to discuss key recommendations from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) for Management of Osteoarthritis of the Knee (Non-Arthroplasty). It is limited to adults 18 years of age and older and should not be used as a reference for children.
Overview
Overview
- Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive, degenerative condition leading to pain and loss of joint function.
- There are no known causes for OA beyond wear and tear from ageing.
- Symptoms include pain and limitation of motion.
- This patient summary focuses on non-surgical management of osteoarthritis as it affects the knee joint.
Treatment
Treatment
Recommended treatments include:
Allowed treatments include:
Treatments not recommended:
- Topical NSAIDs
- Oral NSAIDs
- Supervised exercise, unsupervised exercise, and/or aquatic exercise
- Self-management
- Patient education
- Sustained weight loss
Allowed treatments include:
- Canes
- Braces
- Supplements:
- Turmeric
- Ginger extract
- Glucosamine
- Chondroitin
- Vitamin D
- Neuromuscular training (i.e. balance, agility, coordination programs)
- Manual therapy (as performed by osteopaths and physical therapists)
- Massage
- FDA-approved laser treatment
- Acupuncture
- Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation [TENS] (pain)
- Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation
- Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy
- Extracorporeal shockwave therapy
Treatments not recommended:
- Lateral wedge insoles
Abbreviations
- AAOS: American Academy Of Orthopedic Surgeons
- OA: Osteoarthritis
- TENS: Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation
Source Citation
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Management of Osteoarthritis of the Knee (Non- Arthroplasty) Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline. https://www.aaos.org/oak3cpg Published 08/31/2021
Disclaimer
The information in this patient summary should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.