Efficacy of focused low-intensity pulsed ultrasound therapy for the management of knee osteoarthritis: a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Lang Jia,Jinyun Chen,Yan Wang,Wenzhi Chen

doi:10.1038/srep35453

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of focused low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (FLIPUS) therapy on the functional and health status of patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). A total of 106 subjects with bilateral KOA were randomized sequentially into two groups. Group I received FLIPUS + diclofenac sodium, and group II received sham FLIPUS + diclofenac sodium. The therapeutic effects of the interventions were evaluated by measuring changes in VAS pain, the WOMAC scores, and the LI scores after 10 days of treatment as well as changes in LI and VAS at follow-up, 4 and 12 weeks later. In addition, changes in the range of motion, ambulation speed, and the SF-36 in each group were recorded after 10 days of treatment. Compared with those in group II, patients in group Ishowed significant improvements in VAS, WOMAC, LI, ambulation speed, and most items in the SF-36 after 10 days of treatment. In addition, patients in group I showed significant improvements in LI and VAS at follow-up. There were no FLIPUS-related adverse events during and after the interventions. In conclusion, FLIPUS is a safe and effective treatment modality for relieving pain and improving the functions and quality of life of patients with KOA.

Highlights

Recommended methods are not perfect and have many disadvantages: they often are expensive and invasive if surgery is involved, and the adverse effects of NSAIDs are cause for concern
There were no significant differences between the group I and group II with respect to age, gender, body mass index (BMI), duration of knee OA, blood pressure,glucose, and Kellgren & Lawrence class rating at baseline (p > 0.05; Table 1)
Compared with drugs or surgery, US is preferred for its non-invasiveness, minimal adverse effects, and cost-effectiveness

Summary

Introduction

Recommended methods are not perfect and have many disadvantages: they often are expensive and invasive if surgery is involved, and the adverse effects of NSAIDs are cause for concern. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis suggested that pulsed US is the preferred treatment mode both in terms of more effective pain relief and improved function without significant adverse effects in clinical trials[19]. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the effects of FLIPUS for the management of knee OA. The aim of this prospective randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial was to evaluate the short-term effectiveness of FLIPUS therapy on pain, physical function, ambulation activity, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with knee OA

Objectives

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Results

Conclusion