Objective: To discuss the curative efficacy of Bushen Shujin decoction in treating early metaphase knee osteoarthritis after oral and fumigating-washing administration

and to investigate its influence on tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)

interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in serum and synovial fluid. Method: One hundred and sixteen patients were randomly divided into the control group (56 cases) and the observation group (56 cases) by a random number table. All patients in both two groups received sodium hyaluronate through intra-articular injection once daily for 5 weeks

and 0.2 g celecoxib capsules once daily when needed. Patients in the control group added 5 Kanggu Zengsheng capsules thrice daily. Patients in the observation group added oral and fumigating-washing administration of Bushen Shujin decoction. All patients in both two groups received 12 weeks of treatment and 6 months of follow-up. Before and after treatment

and during the follow-up

the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) was evaluated

levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in serum and synovial fluid were detected. Result: The clinical curative effect in the observation group was superior to that in the control group (P <0.05). The WOMAC score of each dimension including pain

stiffness

joint function and the total score in two groups went down obviously. Besides

the scores were lower in the observation group (P <0.01). During follow-up

WOMAC score of each dimension and the total score in both groups went up compared with before (P <0.01)

while the results in the observation group were inferior to those in the control group (P <0.01). Levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in the joint fluid and serum declined in both groups after therapy

while the results were lower in the observation group (P <0.01). Conclusion: Bushen Shujin decoction could reduce the clinical symptoms of early metaphase KOA in elderly patients after oral and fumigating-washing administration. The clinical curative effect is better and longer than Kanggu Zengsheng capsules and last longer. Its mechanism may be related to reducing TNF-α

IL-1β in joint fluid and serum

and inhibiting the inflammatory response.