Management of osteoarthritis using integrated approach: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease affecting millions worldwide, causing disability, reduced quality of life, and significant economic burden. Current clinical practices often fail to provide optimal symptom relief and functional improvement, necessitating evidence-based evaluation of integrated management strategies. This systematic literature review to identify effective integrated interventions for alleviating OA symptoms, enhancing functional outcomes, and improving patient adherence and satisfaction. METHODS: A systematic literature review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2024 were retrieved from major scientific databases, including PubMed, Science Direct, Springer Link, Elsevier, Taylor & Francis, and Google Scholar. Studies evaluating integrated or multidisciplinary approaches for OA management were included. RESULTS: Integrated management strategies demonstrated superior outcomes compared with isolated interventions. Pain reduction was reported in 28 out of 32 studies, with significant improvements in joint function, mobility, and quality of life. Nonpharmacological components enhanced pharmacological treatments. Patient adherence increased by 30-45 % with integrated care. Key barriers implementation included fragmented health care systems, lack of provider training, and inconsistent insurance coverage. CONCLUSIONS: Integrated approaches to OA management provide clinically meaningful improvements in pain, function, and patient-centered outcomes. These SLR actionable insights are for optimizing OA management through holistic, patient-centered strategies. Future research should prioritize cost-effectiveness analyses and long-term outcomes of integrated models.