Management Of Chronic Knee Pain Research Articles

The application of directional preference for chronic non-specific knee pain: A pragmatic, controlled, randomized clinical trial

Functional disability and chronic knee pain are frequent in combats sports participants. The McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) is a system for specific function examination and intervention for spinal and extremity musculoskeletal disorder. This clinical trial aimed to investigate the effectiveness of MDT, through Directional Preference, for specific function disability in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners (BJJPs) experiencing chronic non-specific knee pain. MethodsSixty-five BJJPs with chronic non-specific knee pain were evaluated and classified according to the MDT system. Following classification, 28 BJJPs were randomized pairwise into intervention (IG) and control (CG) groups. The procedures were consistent with the principles of DP and the intervention period was 6 weeks and follow up was included. The primary outcome was specific functional disability evaluated using the Patient Specific Function Scale (PSFS) and the secondary outcomes were pain intensity and fear-avoidance in utilizing the symptomatic limb. Data were analyzed with a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and repeated measures for the outcome factor were performed (p < 0.05). ResultsFor the specific functional disability, ANOVA revealed significant differences between groups based on group interaction and treatment factors (F (2, 52): 162,015; p < 0.001; η2: 0.208). The BJJPs allocated to the IG achieved significant improvements in specific functional disability, a mean difference of −4.36 (−5.01 to −3.72) post-interventional and −4.80 (−6.07 to −3.53) follow-up in the PSFS. Improvements in pain intensity and fear-avoidance were also achieved post-intervention and follow-up. ConclusionIntervention in accordance with DP promoted resulted in favorable outcomes for clinical effects on specific functional disability pain intensity, and symmetry index of the lower limbs. These findings suggest that intervention based on DP may be effective in the management of chronic knee pain in BJJPs.

ID: 207779 Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for the Treatment of Chronic Knee Pain: A Retrospective Case Series

Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) is a promising novel treatment modality for the management of chronic knee pain.1,2 Multiple studies have suggested that PNS is effective in the treatment of post-surgical knee pain.3-5 Fewer data, however, exist to support the use of PNS in the pre-surgical setting. This investigation seeks to clarify the potential clinical utility of PNS for the treatment of chronic knee pain amongst patients who have failed conservative measures.

Predictive factors associated with successful response to utrasound guided genicular radiofrequency ablation.

BackgroundUltrasound-guided genicular nerve radiofrequency (RF) procedures are of interest in the management of chronic knee pain. A wide variety of demographic, clinical, and procedural characteristics can affect treatment success. This study aimed to determine predictive factors to provide superior treatment outcomes.MethodsThe demographic, clinical, and technical data of patients who received genicular nerve RF for knee pain between September 2016 and September 2021 were evaluated. A positive outcome was defined as at least 50% pain relief on a pain score for at least 6 months. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the factors associated with a successful response to genicular RF.ResultsAmong 206 patients who underwent genicular RF, 62% of the patients reported successful outcomes at 6 months. In the multivariate model, targeting 5 nerves (odds ratio [OR], 6.184; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.291–16.690; P < 0.001) was the most significant predictor of successful outcomes. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that prognostic genicular nerve block with a 50% cut-off value (OR, 2.109; 95% CI, 1.038–4.287; P = 0.039), no opioid use (OR, 2.753; 95% CI, 1.405–5.393; P = 0.003), and depression (OR, 0.297; 95% CI, 0.124–0.713; P = 0.007) were the predictive factors significantly associated with response to genicular RF.ConclusionsClinical and technical factors associated with better treatment outcomes were ultimately targeting more nerves, performing prognostic block, no opioid use, and no depression. These results are expected to be considered when selecting patients for genicular RF.

Effect of Bilateral Lower Extremity Cold-Compression on Knee Pain

Cold-compression (CC) therapies are common modalities used to reduce pain, provide symptomatic management in disease, and mitigate delayed onset muscle soreness. CC is routinely applied after acute injury or following surgery; however, little is known regarding its use in chronic knee pain. We hypothesized the use of the Aquilo bilateral lower extremity CC system would significantly reduce participants' knee pain immediately following and up to 2 days after a single therapy session. Fifteen participants (11 females, 4 males; avg age 50.6±16.9) with chronic knee pain. The protocol was a pre-posttest study of cardio-vascular, pain pressure thresholds (PPT) and perceived knee pain immediately after and 1- and 2-days post-treatment using Aquilo Sports bilateral cold compression system. CC lowered mean knee skin temperature 12.0 °C (± 1.1) while applying an average compression of 5.8 (± 1.8) mmHg. This occurred without significant changes vitals. Mean PPT values rose 3.2-4.0 (± 0.7-0.9) lbf following CC. Pain Catastrophizing Scale scores fell from 7.8(± 1.9) to 2.8(± 1.6) 48 hours post CC. All 5 domains of the Knee Injury Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) had increases in mean scores 1- and 2-days post CC. The CC session was effective at improving self-reported pain levels over 2 days post. CC effectively lowered skin temperature and increased PPT without adverse events. There is a real clinical need for effective and affordable treatments for management of chronic knee pain in adults. The Aquilo CC system may offer a non-pharmaceutical intervention to improve analgesia, which may serve as a tool to enhance participation in physical activity, improve mobility, and quality of life for those with knee pain.

Management of chronic knee pain caused by postsurgical or posttraumatic neuroma of the infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve

PurposeInjury to the infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve (IBSN) is a relatively common complication after knee surgery, which can interfere with patient satisfaction and functional outcome. In some cases, injury to the IBSN can lead to formation of a painful neuroma. The purpose of this study was to report the results of surgical treatment in a series of patients with IBSN painful neuroma.MethodsWe retrospectively identified 37 patients who underwent resection of IBSN painful neuroma at our institution, after failure of non-operative treatment for a minimum of 6 months. Injury to the IBSN resulted from prior orthopedic surgery, vascular surgery, tumor resection, trauma, or infection. Leg pain and health-related quality of life were measured using the numeric rating scale (NRS) and EuroQol 5 dimensions (EQ-5D) questionnaire, respectively. Clinically meaningful improvement in leg pain was defined as reduction in NRS by at least 3 points. Predictors of favorable and unfavorable surgical outcome were investigated using multivariable logistic regression analysis.ResultsPatient-reported leg pain, health-related quality of life, and overall satisfaction with the surgical outcome were obtained at 94 ± 52.9 months after neuroma surgery. Postoperative patient-reported outcomes were available for 25 patients (68% of the cohort), of whom 20 patients (80.0%) reported improvement in leg pain, 17 patients (68.0%) reported clinically meaningful improvement in leg pain, and 17 patients (68%) reported improvement in health-related quality of life. The average NRS pain score improved from 9.43 ± 1.34 to 5.12 ± 3.33 (p < 0.01) and the average EQ-5D functional score improved from 10.48 ± 2.33 to 7.84 ± 2.19 (p < 0.01). Overall patient reported satisfaction with the surgical outcome was good to excellent for 18 patients (72.0%). Older age, multiple prior orthopedic knee surgeries, and failed prior attempts to resect an IBSN neuroma were associated with non-favorable surgical outcome.ConclusionWe conclude that surgical intervention is efficacious for appropriately selected patients suffering from IBSN painful neuroma.

Clinical Outcome of Cooled Radiofrequency Ablation in Chronic Knee Pain Osteoarthritis: An Initial Experience from Nepal.

Cooled Radiofrequency ablation is a newer technique for management of chronic knee pain in osteoarthritis. The aim of the study is to evaluate the clinical outcomes in patients with chronic osteoarthritis in terms of pain scores for first six months of cooled radiofrequency ablation using ultrasound guidance. A cross-sectional study with retrospective review of database was evaluated to analyze the change in the Numerical Rating Scale from baseline scores at 1 day, 1 month and 6 months after the Cooled Radiofrequency ablation of genicular nerves around knee in patients with chronic knee osteoarthritis. Median age was 71 years [ 61-73 years (IQR: 25-75)] with more female preponderance. Numerical Rating Scale (Mean ± S.D.) was significantly less at 1 day (1.87 ± 1.22), 1 month (3.03 ± 0.99) and 6 months (3.37 ± 1.098) from baseline values (6.77 ± 1.00). No soreness and numbness were noted. Cooled Radiofrequency using Ultrasound guidance for management of knee pain in chronic osteoarthritis is promising and reduces Numerical Rating Score significantly from baseline at 1 month and 6 months respectively.

Can Medical Cannabis Therapies be Cost-Effective in the Non-Surgical Management of Chronic Knee Pain?

Introduction:Chronic knee pain is a common musculoskeletal condition, which usually leads to decreased quality of life and a substantial financial burden. Various non-surgical treatments have been developed to relieve pain, restore function and delay surgical intervention. Research on the benefits of medical cannabis (MC) is emerging supporting its use for chronic pain conditions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of MC compared to current non-surgical therapies for chronic knee pain conditions.Methods:We conducted a cost-utility analysis from a Canadian, single payer perspective and compared various MC therapies (oils, soft gels and dried flowers at different daily doses) to bracing, glucosamine, pharmaceutical-grade chondroitin oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and opioids. We estimated the quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained with each treatment over 1 year and calculated incremental cost-utility ratios (ICURs) using both the mean and median estimates for costs and utilities gained across the range of reported values. The final ICURs were compared to willingness-to-pay (WTP) thresholds of $66 714, $133 428 and $200 141 Canadian dollars (CAD) per QALY gained.Results:Regardless of the estimates used (mean or median), both MC oils and soft gels at both the minimal and maximal recommended daily doses were cost-effective compared to all current knee pain therapies at the lowest WTP threshold. Dried flowers were only cost-effective up to a certain dosage (0.75 and 1 g/day based on mean and median estimates, respectively), but all dosages were cost-effective when the WTP was increased to $133 428/QALY gained.Conclusion:Our study showed that MC may be a cost-effective strategy in the management of chronic knee pain; however, the evidence on the medical use of cannabis is limited and predominantly low-quality. Additional trials on MC are definitely needed, specifically in patients with chronic knee pain.

An exercise group for the management of chronic knee pain: a service evaluation

An exercise group for the management of chronic knee pain: a service evaluation

A technological overview of cooled radiofrequency ablation and its effectiveness in the management of chronic knee pain.

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a painful and sometimes debilitating condition affecting an estimated 14million people in the USA alone. Management of knee OA begins with conservative medical treatments and progresses to total knee arthroplasty. Managing pain until a patient is eligible for arthroplasty remains a key part of the treatment algorithm for knee OA. Cooled radiofrequency ablation has shown clinical effectiveness in managing knee OA pain, with a majority of patients experiencing upwards of 12months of analgesic effect. Herein is presented an overview of the technology of cooled radiofrequency ablation and a summary of current clinical trials demonstrating the treatments effectiveness.

The efficacy of intra-articular lidocaine administration in chronic knee pain due to osteoarthritis: A randomized, double-blind, controlled study

BackgroundIntra-articular injections for the treatment of knee pain due to osteoarthritis are performed when conservative therapies have failed. The intra-articular injection of lidocaine may be an effective treatment modality due to its neuronal membrane-stabilizing effect and long-lasting anti-inflammatory action. In this study, we compared the efficacy of intra-articular 0.5% lidocaine versus saline injection on pain, stiffness and physical function in patients with osteoarthritis. MethodsPatients with osteoarthritis were randomly allocated to two groups. Group I (n=26) received 7mL 0.5% lidocaine and group II (n=26) received 7mL saline into the painful knee for a series of three injections spaced by 1 week intervals under ultrasound guidance. Knee pain was measured with a numeric rating score (NRS) at baseline and 3 months after the 3rd injection. WOMAC scales, including pain (WOMAC-P), stiffness (WOMAC-S) and physical function (WOMAC-F), were assessed and recorded at baseline, 30minutes after the 1st injection, immediately prior to the 2nd and 3rd injections and 3 months after the 3rd injection. ResultsDemographic data were comparable between groups. The NRS after 3 months was significantly lower in group I (P=0.001). The WOMAC-P, immediately prior to the 3rd injection and 3 months afterwards, was significantly lower in group I (P=0.006, P=0.001, respectively). The WOMAC-S was improved prior to the 3rd injection and sustained until 3 months in group I (P=0.035, P=0.004, respectively). The WOMAC-F was improved after the 1st injection and sustained until 3 months in group I (P=0.002, P<0.0001 and P<0.0001, respectively). ConclusionsIntra-articular 0.5% lidocaine injection under ultrasound guidance has a potential role in the management of chronic knee pain due to osteoarthritis for a 3-month period.

Efficacy of acupuncture for chronic knee pain: protocol for a randomised controlled trial using a Zelen design

BackgroundChronic knee pain is a common and disabling condition in people over 50 years of age, with knee joint osteoarthritis being a major cause. Acupuncture is a popular form of complementary and alternative medicine for treating pain and dysfunction associated with musculoskeletal conditions. This pragmatic Zelen-design randomised controlled trial is investigating the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of needle and laser acupuncture, administered by medical practitioners, in people with chronic knee pain.Methods/DesignTwo hundred and eighty two people aged over 50 years with chronic knee pain have been recruited from metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria, Australia. Participants originally consented to participate in a longitudinal natural history study but were then covertly randomised into one of four treatment groups. One group continued as originally consented (ie natural history group) and received no acupuncture treatment. The other three were treatment groups: i) laser acupuncture, ii) sham laser or, iii) needle acupuncture. Acupuncture treatments used a combined Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine style, were delivered by general practitioners and comprised 8–12 visits over 12 weeks. Follow-up is currently ongoing. The primary outcomes are pain measured by an 11-point numeric rating scale (NRS) and self-reported physical function measured by the Western Ontario and McMaster (WOMAC) Universities Osteoarthritis Index subscale at the completion of treatment at 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes include quality of life, global rating of change scores and additional measures of pain (other NRS and WOMAC subscale) and physical function (NRS). Additional parameters include a range of psychosocial measures in order to evaluate potential relationships with acupuncture treatment outcomes. Relative cost-effectiveness will be determined from health service usage and outcome data. Follow-up assessments will also occur at 12 months.DiscussionThe findings from this study will help determine whether laser and/or needle acupuncture is efficacious, and cost-effective, in the management of chronic knee pain in older people.Trial registrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry reference: ACTRN12609001001280

Management of chronic knee pain: A survey of patient preferences and treatment received

BackgroundA range of interventions exist for the management of knee pain, but patient preferences for treatment are not clear. In this study the management received by people with chronic knee pain, their management preferences and reasons for these preferences were recorded.MethodsAt baseline assessment of a clinical trial of rehabilitation for chronic knee pain, 415 participants were asked about their i) previous management, ii) preferred treatment, if any, iii) whether they would undergo knee surgery and iv) reasons for their preferences.ResultsPrevious management – Medication was the most common treatment, followed by physiotherapy, 39 participants had received no treatment. Preferences – 166 patients expressed no treatment preference. Of those who expressed a preference the most popular option was physiotherapy, whilst not having surgery was the third most frequent response. The most common reason for preferring physiotherapy and not wanting surgery was prior experience.Willingness to accept surgery – 390 participants were not waiting for knee replacement surgery, and overall 81% would not accept surgery if offered, usually because pain was not perceived to be severe enough to warrant surgery.ConclusionMost chronic knee pain is managed with medication despite concerns about safety, efficacy and cost, management guidelines recommendations and people's management preferences. Previous experience and perceptions of need were major determinants of people's preferences, but many people were unaware of management options. Appreciating patient preferences and provision of more information about management options are important in facilitating informed patient/clinician discussion and agreement.Trial RegistrationCurrent Controlled Trials, ISRCTN 94658828

Patellar taping and bracing for the treatment of chronic knee pain: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

To evaluate the evidence for patellar taping and bracing in the management of chronic knee pain. Randomized or quasi-randomized studies assessing patellar taping or bracing effects on chronic knee pain were sourced from 7 electronic databases (to November 2006), and assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. Weighted mean differences were determined, and pooled estimates of taping and bracing effects were obtained using random-effects models. Of 16 eligible trials, 13 investigated patellar taping or bracing effects in individuals with anterior knee pain, and 3 investigated taping effects in individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OA). The methodologic quality of the taping studies was significantly higher than the bracing studies (mean+/-SD 4.8+/-2.1 versus 2.8+/-0.8; P<0.05). On a 100-mm scale, tape applied to exert a medially-directed force on the patella decreased chronic knee pain compared with no tape by 16.1 mm (95% confidence interval [95% CI] -22.2, -10.0; P<0.001) and sham tape by 10.9 mm (95% CI -18.4, -3.4; P<0.001). For anterior knee pain and OA, medially-directed tape decreased pain compared with no tape by 14.7 mm (95% CI -22.8, -6.9; P<0.001) and 20.1 mm (95% CI -26.0, -14.3; P<0.001), respectively. There was disputable evidence from low-quality studies for patellar bracing benefits. There was evidence that tape applied to exert a medially-directed force on the patella produces a clinically meaningful change in chronic knee pain. There was limited evidence to demonstrate the efficacy of patellar bracing. These outcomes were limited by the presence of high heterogeneity between study outcomes and significant publication bias.