A large-scale questionnaire survey on the way to handle and treat knee osteoarthritis (OA) was conducted with French general practitioners (GPs). Results of this questionnaire were compared with the 2000 EULAR recommendations on the treatment of knee OA.
There was a high response rate among GPs (70%). Major findings included a high request rate for radiological examinations even if not required (about one-third of GPs in the case of a non-inflammatory condition); the under-utilization of non-pharmacological treatments as a first line approach; the prescription of paracetamol as the first-line drug; the co-prescription of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in 40% as a first-line approach; and a low rate of corticoidsteroid prescription.
There is reasonable agreement between the results of this survey and EULAR 2000 recommendations. However, non-pharmacological approaches are under-utilized and should be reinforced.