Rumalon versus placebo in five-year knee and hip osteoarthritis follow-up
K. Pavelká, J. Gatterová, V. Gollerova, Z. Urbanová, M. Sedlácková, R. D. Altman · 2000 · Osteoarthritis and Cartilage 8(5), 335–342
Indexed 2026-11-12.
Reported findings and study design
Reported findings
Double-blind, block-randomized comparison with identical saline placebo. Each course consisted of fifteen 2 mL intramuscular injections given twice weekly. Two courses per year for five years. The radiographic analysis included 394 participants with follow-up imaging.
Dose, route and schedule
Double-blind, block-randomized comparison with identical saline placebo. Each course consisted of fifteen 2 mL intramuscular injections given twice weekly. Two courses per year for five years. The radiographic analysis included 394 participants with follow-up imaging.
Protocol source ↗ · Original article, Figure 1 and joint-space tables
| Measure | Result | Comparison, timing and statistics |
|---|---|---|
| Five-year knee joint-space loss | 0.37 mm with Rumalon versus 0.42 mm with placebo (p=0.68). | |
| Five-year hip joint-space loss | 0.21 mm with Rumalon versus 0.22 mm with placebo (p=0.53). | |
| Function, pain and anti-inflammatory drug use | No statistically significant between-group differences in the Lequesne index, pain during passive movement or NSAID use. | |
| Reported adverse effects | 14.5% with Rumalon and 15% with placebo. |
Participant flow and five-year joint-space loss
| Joint | Randomized, Rumalon / placebo | Analyzed, Rumalon / placebo | Rumalon | Placebo | p |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knee | 140 / 140 | 138 / 139 | 0.37 mm | 0.42 mm | 0.68 |
| Hip | 60 / 60 | 58 / 59 | 0.21 mm | 0.22 mm | 0.53 |
The trial found no measurable structure-modifying benefit. Joint-space loss was slower than anticipated in both arms.
Source for these results ↗ · Reviewed 2026-11-12
For research and education. Consult a qualified clinician for medical advice.
Study limitations and source details
Study limitations
- The trial found no measurable structure-modifying benefit. Joint-space loss was slower than anticipated in both arms.
Source access
Original article, Figure 1 and joint-space tables
Source reviewed 2026-11-12.
Citation and original source
Original source: K. Pavelká, J. Gatterová, V. Gollerova, Z. Urbanová, M. Sedlácková, R. D. Altman. Rumalon versus placebo in five-year knee and hip osteoarthritis follow-up Osteoarthritis and Cartilage 8(5), 335–342 2000.
Molekul research summary: https://molekul.io/research/rumalon-pavelka-2000. Cite the original publication for its findings and this page when referring to Molekul’s summary or evidence appraisal.
Bibliography entry