“Preliminary research suggests that
strontium may also benefit arthritic joints by stimulating cartilage formation,
among other possible mechanisms. In a large study
in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases in 2013, people with knee
osteoarthritis took strontium ranelate (1 or 2 grams a day) or a placebo for
three years. Both strontium groups showed less joint space narrowing on X-rays
(indicating slower disease progression) than the placebo group. The higher-dose
group also had improvements in knee pain and physical functioning.”
Below is an edited abstract:
Background Strontium ranelate is currently used for osteoporosis. The international, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled Strontium ranelate Efficacy in Knee OsteoarthrItis triAl evaluated its effect on radiological progression of knee osteoarthritis.
Methods Patients with knee osteoarthritis (Kellgren
and Lawrence grade 2 or 3, and joint space width (JSW) 2.5–5 mm) were randomly
allocated to strontium ranelate 1 g/day (n=558), 2 g/day (n=566) or placebo
(n=559). The primary endpoint was radiographical change in JSW (medial tibiofemoral
compartment) over 3 years versus placebo. Secondary endpoints included
radiological progression, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities
Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score, and knee pain. The trial is registered (ISRCTN41323372).
Results The intention-to-treat population included
1371 patients. Treatment with strontium ranelate was associated with smaller
degradations in JSW than placebo (1 g/day: −0.23 mm; 2 g/day: −0.27 mm;
placebo: −0.37 mm); treatment-placebo differences were 0.14 for 1 g/day and
0.10 for 2 g/day. Fewer radiological progressors were observed with strontium ranelate
for 1 and 2 g/day. There were greater reductions in total WOMAC score, pain
subscore, physical function subscore and knee pain with strontium ranelate
2 g/day. Strontium ranelate was well tolerated.
Conclusions Treatment with strontium ranelate 1 and
2 g/day is associated with a significant effect on structure in patients with
knee osteoarthritis, and a beneficial effect on symptoms for strontium ranelate
2 g/day.
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