Cabbage Leaf Wraps in Osteoarthritis of the Knee

Randomised Controlled Trial on the Efficacy of Cabbage Leaf Wraps in Symptomatic Primary Osteoarthritis of the Knee

This randomised controlled trial aims to investigate the efficacy of cabbage leaf cataplasms in the treatment of primary symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee. 81 patients will be randomised into one of 3 groups and apply either cabbage leaf cataplasm or diclofenac gel daily for 4 weeks or receive only usual care. Efficacy will be measured using questionnaire on pain, disability, quality of life and pressure pain sensitivity.

Inclusion Criteria:

• osteoarthritis of the knee, Kellgren Lawrence stadium 2-3
• at least 50% of days with complaints
• initial pain intensity 45mm on a 100mm visual analoge scale

Exclusion Criteria:

• medication with corticoids or immunsupressing drugs
• secondary arthritis/arthrosis
• operation to the knee within 12 months prior
• injection within 4 weeks (cortison) or 6 months prior (hyaluronic acid)
• severe comorbidities (liver, kidney, asthma, psychiatric disorders etc.)
• participation in other studies
• pregnancy, breastfeeding