Table 3

Efficacy evaluation of the dichotomous variables

Efficacy variables
Treatment group
N
Number (%) of participants
p-value
Number-needed-to-treat (95% CI)

50% reduction in pain
Topical diclofenac
105
46 (43.8)
0.004
5 (3–17)

Vehicle control
107
27 (25.2)


OMERACT-OARSI responder*
Topical diclofenac
105
69 (65.7)
0.017
6 (3–33)

Vehicle control
107
53 (49.5)


Good or very good PGA response
Topical diclofenac
105
46 (43.8)
<0.0001
4 (3–7)

Vehicle control
107
18 (16.8)



*A responder is defined as a participant with ≥ 50% improvement in pain or function that was ≥ 20% of the scale, or ≥ 20% improvement in at least two of pain, function or patient global assessment that was ≥ 10% of the scale.

Baer et al. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 2005 6:44   doi:10.1186/1471-2474-6-44