Osteoarthritis of the Knee Treated with Tolfenamic Acid

48 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee have been treated with tolfenamic acid, a new antirheumatic drug, and acetylsalicylic acid in a doubleblind study including a placebo period. 14 patients preferred tolfenamic acid, 14 acetylsalicyiic acid, while 3 patients preferred placebo. No change in the range of movement or circumference of the joint, speed of walking, or the quadriceps muscle strength was found. The investigation seems to indicate that tolfenamic acid has an analgesic effect on degenerative joint disease equal to that of acetylsalicyiic acid, but fewer side effects.