Overview

• The latest IGeL-Monitor from the Medizinischer Dienst Bund evaluated 60 services, rating 31 negative, 26 unclear for insufficient evidence, and only 3 tending positive.
• Hyaluronic acid injections for knee or hip osteoarthritis were cited as regularly causing harm with pain relief so small it is clinically insignificant.
• The watchdog noted these injections have been scrutinized for over 50 years in studies involving tens of thousands of patients, yet potential harms outweigh benefits.
• Shockwave therapy frequently offered for shoulder complaints was judged “unclear” due to a lack of robust, conclusive studies.
• Statutory insured patients spend at least €2.4 billion a year on IGeL, including €397 million in orthopedics, and the agency urged facts in waiting rooms rather than promotional claims.