[Experiences with the effect of naproxen in chronic and degenerative diseases as in overload conditions of the postural and locomotor system].

At the Orthopaedic University Clinic, Homburg, a total of 127 patients was treated with d-2-(6'-methoxy-2'-naphthyl)-propionic acid (naproxen) from June 1973 up to June 1974. The indications were chronic degenerative changes of the joints, muscles and tendons. In the first series naproxen was administered orally. In these 45 cases a very low rate of side effects was observed. Only 4 times nausea or vomiting occurred, which in one case had been caused by an overdosage. Generally tolerance was excellent and there was a very good relief of symptoms in early all patients. Particularly in those patients whose arthrotic alterations did not yet require surgical intervention the effect as to symptomatology was extremely good. In a second series initially 63 patients and, later on, another 19 patients were treated with naproxen suppositories. As before, concomitant medication was avoided. The therapeutic results were mostly very good to good, and only in a few cases no success was seen. It should be mentioned, however, that after application of the suppositories, a few patients noted a slight local burning after insertion of the suppository. Also blood in the feces and circulatory symptoms were reported. We believe that naproxen can achieve a very good improvement of subjective symptoms, particularly when combined with other therapeutic measures such as physiotherapy and intra- or periarticular injections. This drug should not only be used in the conservative treatment of degenerative joint diseases, but also -- as shown by our experience -- after palliative surgical procedures employed in the treatment of severe arthroses. Also in these cases a positive influence on the symptoms can be achieved.