[The treatment and rehabilitation characteristics of osteoarthritis patients undergoing mineral baths, underwater horizontal traction of the legs and therapeutic gymnastics].

Balneotherapy, balneotraction therapy, balneokinesotherapy and balneotraction kinesotherapy in weak radon nitrogen mineral water (Tskhaltubo springs) were compared for efficacy in patients suffering from osteoarthritis of large joints stage I-IV with synovitis. Balneotraction was found most adequate. Balneotherapy is also beneficial, whereas balneokinesotherapy is indicated only in the second half of the treatment course.