Beyond pain: The importance of algofunctional indices for objective monitoring of osteoarthritis therapy (using the example of clinical observations)

To objectively assess the condition of patients with osteoarthritis (OA), a number of functional scales and indices have been developed and validated. These allow for a comprehensive assessment of pain, stiffness, and function, as radiographic data correlate poorly with symptoms of the disease. These tools allow for dynamic monitoring and are the standard of evidence-based medicine. The need for a comprehensive approach to assessing treatment effectiveness, going beyond the subjective sensation of pain, is emphasized. A comparison of two clinical cases provides a clear illustration: while in the first case, the physician focused solely on reducing pain intensity according to the visual analog scale, in the second, the use of the WOMAC index (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index) provided a comprehensive picture, including the dynamics of stiffness and functional limitations. This emphasizes that successful pain relief does not always equate to restoration of the patient’s quality of life and daily activities. The WOMAC index allows for the evaluation of the comprehensive treatment effect and the rationale for further treatment. The presented results of the KOLIBRI study which demonstrated that the innovative Russian drug AMBENE® Bio is not inferior to the reference drug in terms of pain severity, but is statistically significantly superior to the reference drug in terms of restoration of joint function according to the WOMAC index, especially after the second course. This demonstrates its cumulative effect and greater ability to restore daily activities. Therefore, routine use of comprehensive indices (such as WOMAC) is essential for objective OA monitoring. The innovative AMBENE® Bio not only relieves symptoms but also has a proven benefit in improving patients’ functional capacity, enhancing its clinical value in long-term treatment.

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