[Cartilage changes in arthrosis--do non-steroidal antiphlogistics have positive or negative effects?]

Abstract

The use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the treatment of osteoarthritis has been disputed recently because of possible inhibition of cartilage matrix synthesis. The present article reviews the structure of articular cartilage and the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis. It includes a critical analysis of the experimental and in vivo data on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and their effect on cartilage repair. So far, investigations using cell or tissue culture, animal models or human cartilage do not support the concept that any nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug administered in therapeutic doses accelerates human osteoarthritis. In lack of convincing clinical evidence of detrimental or "chondroprotective" properties, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can still be regarded as useful agents in the treatment of osteoarthritis.