A Randomised Open Controlled Parallel Group Study Comparing Norspan and Tramadol

A Randomised Open Controlled Parallel Group Multicenter Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Norspan Versus Tiparol Retard in Subjects With Chronic Moderate to Severe OA Pain of the Hip and/or Knee.

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Norspan versus Tiperol Retard among OA patients who are sub-optimally treated with current analgesic. Those patients may benefit from treatment with a long lasting analgesic.

Inclusion Criteria:

• OA diagnosis
• BS11 greater than or equal to 4 at base line
• Not adequately pain relieved with 4,000 mg paracetamol daily

Exclusion Criteria:

• Treated with high potent opioids for their OA pain
• Treated with a regular dose for greater than one week of Tramadol, Codeine or dextropropoxifene during the last three months
• Other chronic conditions requiring frequent analgesic therapy