Objective
To evaluate the effects of dextrose prolotherapy on knee osteoarthritis.

Method
The patient population consisted of 20 individuals with knee osteoarthritis. Patients have suffered from knee pain for six months or more along with Kellgren's grade 2 or more radiographical change in knee compartment. They were injected monthly with 15% and 25% dextrose on knee joints for 4 months. The outcome was measured by visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, pain rating score, and WOMAC osteoarthritis index at a month after 4th injection.

Results
Seventeen of the 20 patients achieved significant diminution of pain or disability scores after dextrose prolotherapy compared with pre-treatment status. There were significant reductions in VAS score, pain rating score, and WOMAC osteoarthritis index after dextrose injection (p＜0.05). Three patients dropped out over follow up period due to lack of efficacy.

Conclusion
Prolotherapy injection with dextrose resulted in clinically and statistically significant improvements in knee osteoarthritis. (J Korean Acad Rehab Med 2002; 26: 445-448)