Efficacy of transdermal patches of buprenorphine and diclofenac in osteoarthritis

Abstract

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common chronic degenerative condition of joints especially in ageing population. The present study compared the efficacy of transdermal patches of Buprenorphine and Diclofenac in relation to pain relief. Materials and methods: 60 patients of Osteoarthritis were divided into 2 groups of 30 each. Group I patients received buprenorphine transdermal patch 10μg-hr per week and group II patients received diclofenac sodium patch 200 mg per day. Numeric rating scale (NRS) and WOMAC index was recorded. Results: Group I had 16 males and 14 females and group II had 12 males and 18 females. The mean pain score before applying patch was 6.5 and 6.1 in group I and II, after 1 week was 5.4 and 3.2 in group I and II, after 2 weeks was 4.3 and 2.3 and after 3 weeks was 3.5 and 3.1 in group I and II respectively. The mean WOMAC index before applying patch was 58.5 and 59.2 in group I and II, after 1 week was 35.4 and 29.2 in group I and II, after 2 weeks was 27.2 and 19.2 and after 3 weeks was 26.5 and 25.1 in group I and II respectively. The difference was significant (P