Methodology for the assessment of treatments in hand osteoarthritis

Abstract

Objective: To perform a review of methods in clinical trials of hand OA and outline a set of guidelines.

Methods: Methods related to assessing treatment in hand OA were classified as those obtaining general consensus and those on which there was disagreement and need for further work.

Results: It was agreed that criteria validated for trials in knee and hip OA must be re-evaluated for hand OA; and that populations studied, trial parameters and evaluation tools should meet criteria established herein. Consensus was not reached or further work is required regarding functional index, daily or weekly questionnaire, hand(s) taken into account, scoring system and consideration of aesthetic damage.

Conclusion: New therapeutic trials are needed in hand OA. Guidelines for future trials are given. International