A clinical study of a new sling exercise therapy combined with sodium hyaluronate injections for treating patellofemoral pain syndrome

Abstract

Objective To investigate the effects of a new sling exercise treatment combined with injections of sodium hyaluronate on the radiographic findings and clinical variables of patients with patellofemoral pain.Methods Seventy patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome were divided into a group which was treated using a new sling exercise therapy combined with injections of sodium hyaluronate (the combined therapy group,n=34) and another which received only sodium hyaluronate injections (the control group,n=36).The patients of both groups were assessed pre-and post-treatment.The clinical assessment modalities were pain scores (using a visual analogue scale,VAS),quadriceps and hamstring strength and range of motion in the active flexion and extension of the knee.Q angles were measured supine and standing.Patellofemor tilt angle and congruence and sulcus angle were determined by CT scanning.Results After 5 weeks the average VAS pain score of the combined therapy group was significantly lower than that of the control group.Muscle strength and range of motion in the combined therapy group were both significantly higher than pro-treatment,the Q angles were significantly smaller,and the congruence and sulcus angles were significantly better.Conclusion Five weeks of practicing the new sling exercise therapy combined with injections of sodium hyaluronate can yield satisfactory clinical and radiologic outcomes in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome. Key words: Sling exercise therapy; Patellofemoral pain; Sodium hyaluronate; Tracking abnormalities