Saline Injections vs Education and Exercise in Knee Osteoarthritis

The GLA:D exercise and education program is an 8-week treatment program delivered by GLA:D certified physiotherapists. It consists of 2 educational sessions over 2 weeks (1/week in week 1 and 2) and 12 exercise sessions over 6 weeks (2/week in weeks 2 thru 8) The 2 educational sessions provide knowledge of OA, treatment and self-management, with a special focus on exercise and its benefits. The exercise part lasts for 6 weeks with 2 exercise sessions per week of approximately 1 hour (12 sessions total). The exercise sessions are group based at a facility supervised by a GLA:D certified physiotherapist. The goal is the obtain muscle control and stability in situations resembling daily life and/or more strenuous activities.

"Four \[4\] dosages of 5 ml intra-articular isotonic saline (0.9% (9 mg/mL) Sodium Chloride Injection (sterile, isotonic solution of sodium chloride and sterile water for injection)) every other week from baseline (week 1, 3, 5 and 7 = 4 injections).~The injections will be carried out with a 21 gauge (38 mm) needle and a Luer-lock syringe under ultrasound guidance to ensure that the needle is inserted into the study knee joint cavity and document correct deposition of the bolus in the joint cavity.~If the investigator detects presence of excessive joint fluid during the ultrasound guided preparation of the injection, this will be aspirated before injection of the saline - if possible."