[Application and value of nonsteroidal inflammation inhibitors in arthritis].

The inflammatory stage of osteoarthritis when secondary synovitis contributes to the characteristic clinical presentation is first explained. During episodes of acute synovitis nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs may be particularly beneficial. Guidelines for a prescribing policy are given in which a safety first approach is adopted. Propionic acid derivatives or newer drugs with similar properties are proposed as initial therapy to control symptoms of osteoarthritis. Special problems of patients at risk (ulcer patients, renal insufficiency, heart failure) are considered.