Use of Duloxetine for The Treatment of Hip or Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials .

Duloxetine, a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, has garnered attention for its potential role in managing chronic musculoskeletal pain, including hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA). Drawing on data from nine randomized trials across 2,470 participants, this analysis investigates the short-term efficacy and safety of 60 mg/day duloxetine over 7–16 weeks. The findings span validated pain and function measures—BPI, VAS, and WOMAC—while also addressing tolerability concerns. With moderate-quality evidence across most outcomes and nuanced trade-offs between benefits and adverse events, this report offers timely insight into duloxetine’s potential role in OA care.