Implantation of Gold Beads to Relieve Discomfort From Knee Osteoarthritis
Implantation of Gold Beads to Relieve Discomfort From Knee Osteoarthritis
The purpose of this study is to determine whether implanting gold beads extraarticularly in
 five acupuncture-points around a knee improves pain, stiffness and function in patients with
 knee osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common diagnoses made in general practice and among
 the most common causes of disability in older people. Acupuncture is a well-founded
 supplement or alternative to pharmacological and surgical treatment methods. The improvement
 is, however, often brief, so to preserve the initial effect the acupuncture has to be
 repeated at regular intervals.

 In veterinarian medicine implantation of gold-beads in acupuncture-points around a joint has
 been used mostly in dogs for at least 30 years in the treatment of OA. The effect measured on
 eating pattern, physical activity and signs of pain last for several years. It may be
 hypothesized that implanting gold in acupuncture points acts as a continuous acupuncture
 stimulation.

 The purpose of this one year randomised, controlled trial of middle-aged and elderly patients
 is to examine the effect of implanting gold beads extraarticularly in five acupuncture-points
 around a knee with OA.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Age 18-80 years

 -  Clinically diagnosed and radiologically verified knee osteoarthritis (OA)

 -  Pain and stiffness derived from OA lasting for more than one year

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Previous knee trauma (OA following previous meniscectomy is included)

 -  Other rheumatologic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or fibromyalgia

 -  Pronounced hip OA

 -  Severe somatic or mental illnesses

 -  Dementia

 -  Alcohol or drug abuse

 -  Pregnancy

 -  Anticoagulant treatment

 -  Corticosteroid treatment during the last 3 months

 -  Allergy to chlorhexidine or local anaesthetics