In Episode 34, we review some of the myths and beliefs common in many cultures. A renowned and profound guest joins us (Dr Robert Rangno). We start with a study of Santa Claus and then move on to a variety of myths like the need for bed rest, cold exposure causing infective illness, swimming after eating, etc. It is light-hearted and lacks intellectual content (even more than usual). We end with the Christmas Poem “A Sick Night before Christmas.”

In our 33rd episode we follow-up our discussion of osteoarthritis by examining the risks and benefits of oral anti-inflammatories including Cox-2 inhibitors. We review the effects on pain relief and the theory of anti-inflammation. We discuss the possible gastrointestinal effects and possible approaches to reduce the risk. We consider the cardiovascular risks and debate the choices in prescribing. We finish by struggling to get in the last word.

Show Notes

1) Eradication of H. Pylori decreases the chance of a GI bleed in patients about to receive NSAIDs

Lancet 2002;359:9-13

2) Misoprostol decreases the chance of bleeds but increases the number of GI side effects

Ann Int Med 1995;123:241-9

3) PPI added to ASA (in patients with previous ulcer on ASA)

NEJM 2005;352:238-44

4) Naprosyn possibly protective for cardiac events

Lancet. 2004;364:2021-9

5) Possible impaired fracture healing with NSAIDs

Injury 2008;39:384-94

J Bone Joint Surg (Br) 2007;89:1553-60

Emerg Med J 2005;22:652-3

In our 32nd episode we review the therapeutic options for the treatment of osteoarthritis. We first deal with lifestyle interventions for osteoarthritis. We consider the pain pharmaceuticals like acetaminophen, topical or oral NSAIDs, and opiates as well as some of the other osteoarthritis therapies such as glucosamine or steroid injections. We also summarize a number of other interventions (cold compresses to surgical debridement).

Show Notes

1) Obesity and hip OA

Rheumatology 2002;41:1155-62

2) Exercise for OA of the knee

Cochrane Library

3) Aquatic exercise for knee and hip OA

Cochrane Library

4) Glucosamine for OA

Cochrane Library

5) Topical NSAIDs for OA

Longterm efficacy of topical nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs in knee OA

J Rheumatol 2006;33:1841-4

Topical diclofenac for OA of the knee

J Rheumatol 2004;31:2002-12

Meta-analysis of topical NSAIDs for OA

BMJ 2004;329:324

Meta-analysis of topical NSAIDs for OA

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 2004;5:28

Bandolier on topical NSAIDs

6) Oral NSAIDs including COX-2s for OA

BMJ 2004;329:1317

7) Oral NSAIDs vs Acetaminophen

A meta-analysis

Ann Rheum Dis 2004;63:901-7

A systematic review

J Rheumatol 2004;31:344-54

Versus diclofenac/misoprostol

Arthritis Rheum 2001;44:1587-98

8) Steroid injections for OA of the knee

BMJ 2004;328:869

Can Fam Physician 2004;50:241-8

Cochrane Library

9) Opioids for OA

Oxycodone

Arch Intern Med 2000;160:853-60

Codeine

J Rheumatol 2000;27:764-71

Morphine

J Pain Symptom Manage 2002;23:278-91

Tramadol

J Rheumatol 2007;34:543-55

10) Hyaluronic acid injections

Meta-analysis showing no effect

CMAJ 2005;172:1039-43

Cochrane review showing an effect

Cochrane Library

11) Surgical debridement

Cochrane review showing no benefit

Cochrane Library

12) Other

TENS

Cochrane review

Cochrane Library

Thermotherapy

Cochrane review

Cochrane Library

Ultrasound

Cochrane review

Cochrane Library

Balneotherapy for OA (Mineral Baths)

Cochrane review

Cochrane Library

Acupuncture

Meta-analysis

Rheumatology 2006;45:1331-7