The AAHKS Board of Directors approved two new position statements this week that provide opinions on the use of opioids to treat osteoarthritis prior to joint replacement surgery and the use of biologics to treat advanced hip and knee arthritis.

The statement on opioid use advises, “The use of opioids for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the hip and knee should be avoided and reserved for only for exceptional circumstances.” Exceptions would include when other non-opioid options have failed, and patients cannot have joint replacement surgery. In this case, only the lowest dose for the shortest time is recommended. Full statement.

In the statement on the use of biologic therapies (such as stem cell and platelet-rich plasma injections), AAHKS does not recommend the routine clinical use of these therapies for the treatment of advanced hip or knee arthritis citing, “unproven benefits, high out-of-pocket costs for patients, and clear safety concerns.” AAHKS recognizes the potential benefit of these treatments and encourages clinical trials that may establish the treatments for widespread adoption. Full statement.

You can read all AAHKS position statements here.

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