Abstract

The CME Credit Submission and Evaluation Form on page 329 of the March 2005 issue ran with the heading “Featured CME Topic: Arthritis” in error. The heading should have read “Featured CME Topic: Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Barnes EV, Edwards NL. Treatment of osteoarthritis. South Med J2005;98:205-9.

The abstract that appeared on page 205 of this article in the February 2005 issue of Southern Medical Journal was not the abstract the authors intended to publish. The correct abstract is listed below.

Abstract: Osteoarthritis is a most common health problem in population over age 40 and a leading cause of pain and disability in the United States. Treatments of osteoarthritis incorporate combination of nonpharmacologic modalities, pharmacologic agents and surgical procedures. Unfortunately nonpharmacological modalities are underutilized in the management algorithm. In addition to physical and occupational therapy, diet and exercise play an extremely important role, thus patient education in the above areas is of great importance. Pharmacological measures should be examined carefully by physician and the patient weighting its existing risks and benefits. Surgical procedures are generally reserved for patients with severe arthritis who have persistent aim and significantly reduced function. Presently, there are no proven structure/disease-modifying interventions and therefore current therapy is aimed to symptom relief and rehabilitation.