Absence of increased frequency of degenerative joint changes after osmic acid injections.

Fifty-two adults and 31 children, who were treated with osmic acid for one knee joint, were observed for 8-18 years. No other local treatment of the knee joints was given. In adults no difference was seen in clinical or radiological findings between joints treated and not treated with osmic acid. The age of the patient had a marked influence on the development of degenerative joint disease. In children, radiological deterioration of the knee joints was marked in joints affected by radiological changes even before treatment. It is concluded that though osmic acid causes superficial damage to the cartilage, it has no significant clinical relevance. Osmic acid can still be recommended as a simple remedy in the treatment of knee joint synovitis, in both adults and children.