Reduce Knee Pain Research Articles

INFLUENCE OF POPLITEUS MUSCLE MANIPULATION AND QUADRICEPS STRENGTHENING ON ANTERIOR KNEE PAIN IN RUNNERS

Background: Anterior knee pain is prevalent among young athletes, with sports-related injuries accounting for 25–30% of cases. Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) contributes to up to 40% of knee disorders, with annual prevalence rates reported at 22.7% in the general population and 28.9% in adolescents. Among runners, the incidence of PFPS ranges from 37% to 56%. Objective: The popliteus muscle is primarily associated with anterior knee pain but may also influence posterior knee discomfort. This study aims to investigate the effects of soft tissue manipulation of the popliteus muscle combined with quadriceps strengthening exercises on anterior knee pain in athletic runners, addressing a gap in the literature regarding the interaction between these muscle groups. Methods: In this experimental study, 30 subjects with non-traumatic anterior knee pain were recruited. Baseline assessments included quadriceps strength and pain levels. Participants then underwent six sessions of popliteus manipulation alongside quadriceps strengthening exercises. Post-intervention, all parameters were reassessed. Results: A significant reduction in knee pain (P < 0.005) was observed after the six-week intervention, with more pronounced improvements in Group A compared to Group B. Conclusion: The results suggest that incorporating popliteus soft tissue manipulation can effectively reduce anterior knee pain while strengthening the quadriceps enhances muscle function. These findings support the integration of popliteus manipulation into treatment protocols for athletes experiencing anterior knee pain.

Effectiveness of Ali Satia Graha massage therapy method on increasing range of motion and reducing knee pain in pre-elderly

This study aims to test the effectiveness of the Ali Satia Graha massage therapy method on increasing Range Of Motion (ROM) and reducing knee pain in pre-elderly. This study is a pre-experimental study using a One Group Pretest-Posttest research design. The population in this study was pre-elderly patients with knee injuries at the Ali Satia Graha Method Sports Injury Massage Therapy Service at Plaza UNY. The study used incidental sampling with a sample size of 17 people. The data collected were: (1) The scale of Range Of Motion (ROM) of the knee joint was measured using a goniometer. (2) The scale of knee joint pain was measured using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). The data analysis technique used a quantitative descriptive analysis and hypothesis testing using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test with a significance level of 5%. The results of the study showed that: (1) massage therapy could reduce knee joint flexion motion pain with an effectiveness of 54.9%. (2) Massage therapy could reduce knee joint extension motion pain with an effectiveness of 56.1%. (3) Massage therapy could increase the Range Of Motion (ROM) of knee joint flexion with an effectiveness of 10.2%. (4) Massage therapy could increase the Range Of Motion (ROM) of knee joint extension with an effectiveness of 48.8%. It can be concluded that the massage therapy applied in the Ali Satia Graha Method Sports Injury Massage Therapy Service was effective in increasing ROM and reducing knee joint pain in pre-elderly.

The effect of PNF combination exercise therapy on shin splint injuries in marathon runners

Training at high intensity without proper warm-up and cool-down can cause shin splint injuries in runners. This may lead to a decline in the athlete’s performance during training and competition. This study aims to determine the effect of PNF training therapy on shin splint injuries in marathon runners. This research employs a quasi-experimental approach with a One Group Pretest-Posttest Design. Data collection methods include tests and measurements using a goniometer to assess joint range of motion (ROM) and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) to measure pain levels. The population in this study consisted of running athletes from the Yogyakarta running community, with a sample of 16 individuals selected based on specific criteria. The study results showed a significant average reduction in knee pain of 1.00 and ankle pain of 0.94. Additionally, an increase in knee ROM was observed: flexion increased by 7.81; extension by 7.82; adduction by 4.25; and abduction by 3.75. Ankle ROM also increased: dorsiflexion by 5.94, plantarflexion by 3.62, inversion by 3.57, and eversion by 2.68.

The effectiveness of effriction and frirage massage therapy in reducing pain in knee injuries: a comprehensive review of 1-month and 2-month injuries duration

The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of effriction and frirage massage therapy methods in reducing pain in knee injuries. A total of 64 participants (Male, BMI = 21.48 kg/m2, Age ± SD = 24,07 ± 2.72), who were classified by 1-month and 2-month injury duration, underwent various therapy regimens with 10-minute and 15-minute treatment durations. The data collection instrument used the NPRS scale. The results of the analysis showed that the effriction intervention significantly reduced knee pain in injuries with a history of 1 month and 2 months, with a consistent reduction in pain at both 10 and 15 minute durations (p-value = 0.000). In contrast, frirage interventions also showed a reduction in pain, but their effectiveness varied; A significant reduction in pain was only observed at a 10-minute duration for a 1-month history injury (p-value = 0.041) and at a 15-minute duration for a 2-month history injury (p-value = 0.028). There was no significant reduction in pain in frirage with a duration of 10 minutes for 2 months of injury and a duration of 15 minutes for 1 month of injury. Overall, the effriction technique is more effective than frirage in reducing knee pain in traumatic injuries. These findings support the recommendation to use effriction as the primary method in knee pain therapy, while frirage may be considered for more specific contexts. Keywords: Effriction; frirage; massage therapy; knee injuries; therapy duration

Analysis of Spatiotemporal Gait Variables before and after Unilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty

This study aimed (a) to evaluate the spatiotemporal gait variables of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) before (pre-) and after the procedure (post-), and (b) to investigate the influence of the surgical side on these variables. Twenty-one volunteers (13 females and 8 males) participated, undergoing assessments pre-surgery and nine to 12 months post-surgery. Clinical tests indicated significant reductions in knee pain and improvements in active and passive extension post-surgery. TKA resulted in decreased pain, extension deficits, and functional assessments, with lower scores on the WOMAC questionnaire. A gait analysis showed post-surgery improvements in gait speed (5.8%), cycle time (−4.8%), step time (4.4%), double limb support time (−11.1%), step (4.4%) and stride (6.3%) lengths, and step (5.1%) and stride (5.0%) cadences. Comparisons between surgical side and limb dominance indicated significant differences in gait speed, stance, swing and step times, double limb support time, step and stride lengths, and step cadence. The non-dominant limb demonstrated greater improvements across most parameters compared to the dominant limb. These findings emphasize the importance of considering the limb dominance of patients with knee osteoarthritis when evaluating post-TKA function. These conclusions can be helpful for personalized rehabilitation programs, allowing tailored interventions for individuals undergoing knee surgery.

High tibial osteotomy on varus knee osteoarthritis with medial meniscus posterior root injury

To explore clinical effect of distal tibial tubercle-high tibial osteotomy (DTT-HTO) in treating knee osteoarthritis (KOA) with medial meniscus posterior root tear (MMPRT). A retrospective analysis was performed on 21 patients with varus KOA with MMPRT from May 2020 to December 2021, including 3 males and 18 females, aged from 49 to 75 years old with an average of (63.81±6.56) years old, the courses of disease ranged from 0.5 to 18.0 years with an average of(5.9±4.2) years, and 4 patients with grade Ⅱ, 14 patients with grade Ⅲ, and 3 patients with grade Ⅳ according to Kellgren-Lawrence;14 patients with type 1 and 7 patients with type 2 according to MMPRT damage classification. The distance of medial meniscusextrusion (MME) and weight-bearing line ratio (WBLR) of lower extremity were compared before and 12 months after operation. Visual analogue scale (VAS), Western Ontarioand and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) osteoarthritis index, and Lysholm knee score were used to evaluate knee pain and functional improvement before operation, 1, 6 and 12 months after operation, respectively. Twenty-one patients were followed up for 12 to 18 months with an average of (13.52±1.72) months. MME distance was improved from (4.99±1.05) mm before operation to (1.87±0.76) mm at 12 months after operation (P<0.05). WBLR was increased from (15.49±7.04)% before operation to (62.71±2.27)% at 12 months after operation (P<0.05). VAS was decreased from (7.00±1.14) before operation to (2.04±0.80), (0.90±0.62) and (0.61±0.50) at 1, 6 and 12 months after operation. WOMAC were decreased from preoperative (147.90±9.88) to postoperative (103.43±8.52), (74.00±9.54) and (47.62±9.53) at 1, 6 and 12 months, and the difference were statistically significant (P<0.05). Lysholm scores were increased from (46.04±7.34) before oepration to (63.19±8.93), (81.10±6.41) and (89.29±3.04) at 1, 6 and 12 months after operation(P<0.05). For the treatment of varus KOA with MMPRT, DTT-HTO could reduce medial meniscus protrusion distance, improve the ratio of lower limb force line, and effectively reduce knee pain and improve knee joint function.

Effect of Intra-articular Atelocollagen Injections for Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Retrospective Chart Review.

Background Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent and exhausting condition often requiring long-term management. While there is a steady growth in the use of collagen-based treatment for OA, there is a lack of studies assessing the safety and efficacy of repeated administration of injectable atelocollagen for OA. Objective This study aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of repeated administration of injectable atelocollagen in reducing knee pain for patients with knee OA. Methods Clinical records of 91 patients from five hospitals were reviewed for this retrospective study. All 91 patients had received repeated administration of injectable atelocollagen (CartiPRO®, Dalim Tissen Co., Ltd., South Korea) as a treatment for knee OA for seven months. The efficacy of injectable atelocollagen was evaluated by physicians at least 30 days after the last administration, with outcomes categorized as "effective", "moderately effective", or "not effective". For analysis purposes, both "effective" and "moderately effective" were grouped as "effective"while "not effective" was classified as "ineffective". Safety was assessed by monitoring the incidence of adverse events (AEs) reported within six months following the re-administration of atelocollagen. Results Among the 91 patients, 96.7% (88 patients) experienced effective pain relief following the re-administration of CartiPRO®, with 3.3% (three patients) reporting ineffectiveness. In terms of safety assessment, 35 patients reported AEs, totaling up to 44 events, with no serious or unexpected device-related AEs. Conclusion The repeated use of atelocollagen was found to be both safe and effective in managing knee pain for patients with knee OA. These findings support the repeated use of injectable atelocollagen as a reliable treatment option for managing knee OA pain in clinical practice.

Usefulness and Safety of a Wearable Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Device for Promoting Exercise Therapy in Patients With Chronic Knee Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in reducing barriers to the implementation of exercise therapy and promoting exercise therapy, focusing on physical activity (PA). DesignA single-center, participant-blinded, randomized controlled trial with a pre-post design. SettingOrthopedic clinic at a single institution,. ParticipantsParticipants (N=63, aged ≥50y) who had knee pain for ≥3 months were randomly assigned to the TENS (N=21), exercise (N=23), or combined (N=19) groups. InterventionsParticipants were provided with 4 weeks of intervention: the TENS group using a wearable TENS device, exercise group performing designated exercises, and combined group performing activities from the TENS and exercise groups. Main Outcome MeasuresThe primary outcome measure was PA. The secondary outcome measures were 6-minute walk test (6MWT); timed Up and Go (TUG) test; stair climbing; knee pain using the visual analog scale at 6MWT, TUG test, and stair climbing; and patient-reported changes in knee pain over time. ResultsAt pre- and postintervention, light-intensity PA time (minutes per day) in the TENS, exercise, and combined groups was 735.62±68.82 vs 714.21±73.06 (P=.061), 733.05±103.90 vs 700.31±90.33 (P=.057), and 710.09±62.98 vs 685.22±58.35 (P=.049), respectively, with a significant decrease in the combined group. Significant improvement in knee pain and stair climbing was observed in all groups pre- and postintervention. ConclusionsThe group using TENS showed improved effects of early reduction in knee pain and when combined with exercise therapy, a reduction in time spent in light-intensity activities such as sedentary behavior. Thus, the use of TENS in combination with conventional exercise therapy has the potential to reduce psychological barriers to the introduction of exercise therapy. It also promotes and ensures the safe implementation and continuation of exercise therapy.

Obesity aggravates the role of C-reactive protein on knee pain: A cross-sectional analysis with NHANES data.

To examine the relationship between C-reactive protein (CRP) and knee pain, and further explore whether this association is mediated by obesity. The population was derived from 1999 to 2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between CRP and knee pain in three different models, and the linear trend was analyzed. A restricted cubic spline model to assess the nonlinear dose-response relationship between CRP and knee pain. Mediation analyses were used to assess the potential mediating role of obesity. Subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses were performed to ensure robustness. Compared with adults with lower CRP (first quartile), those with higher CRP had higher risks of knee pain (odds ratio 1.39, 95% confidence interval 1.12-1.72 in third quartile; 1.56, 1.25-1.95 in fourth quartile) after adjusting for covariates (except body mass index[BMI]), and the proportion mediated by BMI was 76.10% (p < .001). BMI and CRP were linear dose-response correlated with knee pain. The odds ratio for those with obesity compared with normal to knee pain was 2.27 (1.42-3.65) in the first quartile of CRP, 1.99 (1.38-2.86) in the second, 2.15 (1.38-3.33) in the third, and 2.92 (1.72-4.97) in the fourth. Obesity mediated the systemic inflammation results in knee pain in US adults. Moreover, higher BMI was associated with higher knee pain risk in different degree CRP subgroups, supporting an important role of weight loss in reducing knee pain caused by systemic inflammation.

Superficial Heat Therapy and Therapeutic Exercise in Individuals with Knee Osteoarthritis

Introduction: Knee Osteoarthritis is a major cause of pain and locomotor disability worldwide. Several physical therapy modalities have been recommended in reviewed clinical guidelines and systematic reviews, such as exercises, and electro and thermotherapy resources. Objective: This study evaluated the influence of the application of superficial heat therapy and/or therapeutic exercise on reducing pain and improving functional capacity in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Methods: 30 patients were divided into three groups (superficial heat, exercises, superficial heat plus exercises) and underwent 10 treatment sessions. Pain intensity was assessed using the visual analog scale; muscle flexibility with Wells’ bank test; strength gain with testing of one maximum repetition; walking time was analyzed with a walking test over a distance of 10 meters; and the Lequesne functional questionnaire was used to assess the functional activities of patients. Results: All treatments performed reduced knee pain. The exercise group showed an improvement in flexibility and quadriceps muscle strength. And the group that received superficial heat and therapeutic exercise showed better performance in time over a fixed distance covered. Conclusions: Therapeutic exercise and superficial thermotherapy performed in isolation showed beneficial effects in individuals with knee osteoarthritis. However, the therapeutic intervention carried out in combination showed better results in all parameters evaluated, suggesting that the clinical treatment can improve the quality of life of these individuals.

An innovative leg self-exercise to reduce knee pain severity among the elderly people in Thailand

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent health issue that has consistently risen in occurrence among the elderly in Thailand. This issue holds significant importance within Thailand's healthcare system. This research was allocated to the quasi-experimental study aimed at assessing the effectiveness of leg self-exercises for reducing knee pain severity among the elderly. The total sample size was 108 elderly people recruited into the study with an Oxford Knee Score (OKS) between 20 and 48. The participants were divided into two groups: the intervention group received leg self-exercise with a plank for six weeks, and the control group: received health education booklets. All parameters were compared between and within each group using the independent t-test and paired sample t-test in data analysis. At the three-month follow-up, the results revealed that the OKS and self-exercise behavior in the intervention group had considerably increased more than those in the control group (p&amp;lt;0.001). Compared with the baseline and three-month follow-up, the within comparison, the OKS, and self-exercise behavior were significantly improved (p&amp;lt;0.001). The leg self-exercise with the plank program can lessen the degree of knee discomfort in the elderly and be used to impose and produce recommendations for supporting healthy policies.

The utilization of Tepache Probiotic Drink for health benefits and creating household-scale economic opportunities

Probiotic drinks are needed to enrich the microbiome in the digestive organs. Increasing age causes a decrease in the ability of cells to metabolize food, resulting in various degenerative diseases. Tepache probiotic drinks, made from pineapple skin, contain magnesium minerals for bone health, vitamins A, B, and C. Through fermentation, it is enriched by lactic acid bacteria which play a role in helping food metabolism in the intestines and increasing the immune response. Counseling on making tepache probiotic drinks for Family Empowerment and Welfare (PKK) mothers RW 11 Pamulang Timur is expected to improve public health and stimulate the household economy. The method of implementing community service is carried out by means of socialization of the benefits of probiotic drinks, training in making tepache probiotic drinks, financial management and marketing training, and production assistance. Tepache drinks are made from pineapple skin fermented for 24 hours using brown sugar, water, cloves, and cinnamon. The success of fermentation is indicated by the presence of white grains on the surface of the liquid. The fermentation results are filtered and can be consumed directly. The results of the counseling produced a tepache drink product that has been routinely consumed by PKK mothers RW 11 Pamulang Timur, and has an impact on reducing knee pain, tension, blood sugar, uric acid, and cholesterol. The results of household-scale sales have not shown significant profits, but simple calculations if pursued will increase household income.

Telehealth-Supported Exercise or Physical Activity Programs for Knee Osteoarthritis: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The integration of telehealth-supported programs in chronic disease management has become increasingly common. However, its effectiveness for individuals with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of telehealth-supported exercise or physical activity programs for individuals with KOA. A comprehensive literature search encompassing Embase, MEDLINE, CENTRAL, Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, PEDro, GreyNet, and medRxiv from inception to September 2023 was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials comparing telehealth-supported exercise or physical activity programs to a control condition for KOA. Data were extracted and qualitatively synthesized across eligible studies, and a meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the effects. The study was reported according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) 2020. In total, 23 studies met eligibility criteria, with 20 included in the meta-analysis. Results showed that telehealth-supported exercise or physical activity programs reduced pain (g=-0.39; 95% CI -0.67 to -0.11; P<.001), improved physical activity (g=0.13; 95% CI 0.03-0.23; P=.01), and enhanced physical function (g=-0.51; 95% CI -0.98 to -0.05; P=.03). Moreover, significant improvements in quality of life (g=0.25; 95% CI 0.14-0.36; P<.001), self-efficacy for pain (g=0.72; 95% CI 0.53-0.91; P<.001), and global improvement (odds ratio 2.69, 95% CI 1.41-5.15; P<.001) were observed. However, self-efficacy for physical function (g=0.14; 95% CI -0.26 to 0.53; P=.50) showed insignificant improvements. Subgroup analyses based on the World Health Organization classification of digital health (pain: χ22=6.5; P=.04 and physical function: χ22=6.4; P=.04), the type of teletechnology in the intervention group (pain: χ24=4.8; P=.31 and function: χ24=13.0; P=.01), and active or inactive controls (pain: χ21=5.3; P=.02 and physical function: χ21=3.4; P=.07) showed significant subgroup differences. Telehealth-supported exercise or physical activity programs might reduce knee pain and improve physical activity, physical function, quality of life, self-efficacy, and global improvement in individuals with KOA. Future research should consider longer implementation durations and assess the feasibility of incorporating wearables and standardized components into large-scale interventions to evaluate the effects. PROSPERO CRD42022359658; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=359658.

Oral resveratrol in adults with knee osteoarthritis: A randomized placebo-controlled trial (ARTHROL).

Resveratrol is a natural compound found in red wine. It has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties in preclinical models. We compared the effect of oral resveratrol in a new patented formulation to oral placebo for individuals with painful knee osteoarthritis. ARTHROL was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, Phase 3 trial conducted in 3 tertiary care centers in France. We recruited adults who fulfilled the 1986 American College of Rheumatology criteria for knee osteoarthritis and reported a pain intensity score of at least 40 on an 11-point numeric rating scale (NRS) in 10-point increments (0, no pain, to 100, maximal pain). Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) by using a computer-generated randomization list with permuted blocks of variable size (2, 4, or 6) to receive oral resveratrol (40 mg [2 caplets] twice a day for 1 week, then 20 mg [1 caplet] twice a day; resveratrol group) or matched oral placebo (placebo group) for 6 months. The primary outcome was the mean change from baseline in knee pain on a self-administered 11-point pain NRS at 3 months. The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov: (NCT02905799). Between October 20, 2017 and November 8, 2021, we assessed 649 individuals for eligibility, and from November 9, 2017, we recruited 142 (22%) participants (mean age 61.4 years [standard deviation (SD) 9.6] and 101 [71%] women); 71 (50%) were randomly assigned to the resveratrol group and 71 (50%) to the placebo group. At baseline, the mean knee pain score was 56.2/100 (SD 13.5). At 3 months, the mean reduction in knee pain was -15.7 (95% confidence interval (CI), -21.1 to -10.3) in the resveratrol group and -15.2 (95% CI, -20.5 to -9.8) in the placebo group (absolute difference -0.6 [95% CI, -8.0 to 6.9]; p = 0.88). Serious adverse events (not related to the interventions) occurred in 3 (4%) in the resveratrol group and 2 (3%) in the placebo group. Our study has limitations in that it was underpowered and the effect size, estimated to be 0.55, was optimistically estimated. In this study, we observed that compared with placebo, oral resveratrol did not reduce knee pain in people with painful knee osteoarthritis. ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02905799.

Blood pressure is associated with knee pain severity in middle-aged and elderly individuals with or at risks for osteoarthritis: data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative

BackgroundHypertension is a common comorbidity of osteoarthritis (OA). Joint pain is the main clinical manifestation of OA. Knowledge about the relationship between hypertension and OA pain is limited. This study aimed to investigate whether blood pressure parameters are associated with knee pain severity in individuals with or at risks for OA.MethodsOur sample consisted of 2598 subjects (60.7% female, aged 45–79 years) collected from the Osteoarthritis Initiative. Blood pressure parameters included blood pressure stage, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and pulse pressure (PP). Radiographic evaluation using Kellgren-Lawrence system and pain severity evaluation using Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) were performed for right knee. Linear regression was used to examine the relationship between blood pressure parameters and knee pain severity.ResultsFor the overall sample, blood pressure stage, SBP, and PP were positively correlated with WOMAC and NRS pain scores when adjusting for age, sex, and body mass index (BMI) (p ≤ 0.024) and were inversely correlated with KOOS score (p ≤ 0.004). After further adjusting for all covariates, PP remained a positive correlation with WOMAC score (p = 0.037) while other associations between blood pressure parameters and pain scores did not reach the statistical significance. In female, higher blood pressure stage, SBP, and PP were significantly associated with increased WOMAC and NRS scores and decreased KOOS score after adjustments of age and BMI (p ≤ 0.018). When adjusting for all covariates, the correlations of PP with WOMAC, KOOS and NRS scores remained significant (p = 0.008–0.049). In male sample, SBP was positively correlated with WOMAC score when adjusting for age and BMI (p = 0.050), but other associations between blood pressure parameters and pain scores were not statistically significant. No significant correlation was observed in male when further adjusting for other covariates.ConclusionsIncreased PP is a risk factor for knee pain and mainly affects females, which suggested that controlling PP may be beneficial in preventing or reducing knee pain in females with or at risks for OA.

Effectiveness of Brassica juncea (Mustard) Plaster on Reduction of Knee Pain and Inability among Geriatrics with Osteoarthritis.

Pre-experimental one-group pretest posttest research design was adopted to investigate the effectiveness of Brassica juncea (mustard) plaster on reduction of knee pain and inability among 60 geriatrics with osteoarthritis. The inability was assessed using the Western Ontario McMaster University (WOMAC) Index, which includes 24 parameters under three major headings: joint pain, joint stiffness, and difficulty in performing daily activities, and the severity of pain level was assessed using a numerical pain rating scale. Mustard plaster is applied against the knee for 15 minutes once a day for seven days. On day 8, study participants were re-assessed using the WOMAC Osteoarthritis Index in the interventional group. The pretest mean score of pain was 77.80 ± 5.65, and the posttest mean score was 38.88 ± 11.76. The mean difference score was 38.92. The calculated paired 't' test value of t = 24.428 was statistically significant at P < 0.001 level.

Predictors of Long-term Patient-Reported Outcome Measures After Collagen Meniscal Implant for Partial Meniscal Defects.

Collagen meniscal implant (CMI) is considered an effective procedure for reducing knee pain and improving knee function after previous meniscectomy. Nevertheless, the current knowledge regarding long-term patient reported-outcome measures after CMI is limited. To evaluate clinical outcomes, reoperations, and failures of CMI at a minimum 10-year follow-up. Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Consecutive patients who underwent CMI at a single institution were screened for eligibility. Inclusion criteria for the present study were (1) medial or lateral CMI; (2) isolated or combined procedure with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, knee osteotomy, or cartilage treatment; and (3) follow-up between 10 and 15 years. Demographics and surgical details were obtained via chart review. Patients were asked if they were satisfied with the procedure and were evaluated with the Lysholm score, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), visual analog scale for pain, and Tegner score at the final follow-up. Cases requiring partial or total scaffold removal for any reason (including scaffold breakage, infection, or surgery for osteoarthritis progression) were considered surgical failure. Survival analysis was performed with Kaplan-Meier curve, and clinical scores were analyzed based on the Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS). A total of 92 patients (mean age, 42.2 years were included in the analysis. A significant improvement in all clinical scores was reported between the preoperative evaluation and the last follow-up. A chondropathy with Outerbridge grade ≥3 was associated with significantly overall lower clinical scores, while a timing from meniscectomy to CMI of ≥5 years determined more pain at rest and reduced Quality of Life in the KOOS subscale. No significant difference was found in terms of clinical scores between patients undergoing isolated and combined procedures. At the final follow-up, the mean Lysholm score was 76.3 points. In total, 12 cases (13%) were considered surgical failures. Sixteen patients (17%) did not reach PASS for the Lysholm score, with a total of 28 cases (30%) classified as clinical failures. Overall, 19% (KOOS Pain) and 40% (KOOS Symptoms) of patients did not achieve the PASS in the KOOS subscales. Chondropathy with Outerbridge grade ≥3 was associated with a higher risk of not achieving the PASS in all the KOOS subscales, while age at surgery of ≥45 years resulted in a lower risk of not achieving PASS in the Pain subscale. At the last follow-up, 63% of patients were still involved in sports activity, with 41% at the same or higher level. Finally, 80% of the patients were satisfied with the procedure. Up to 10 years after surgery, around 70% of the patients who underwent CMI reported satisfactory clinical results, with clinical subjective scores still higher compared with the preoperative evaluation. Overall, 30% of cases were considered clinical failures, with 13% considered surgical failures and 17% not meeting the PASS for the Lysholm score. In addition, cartilage status and time from meniscectomy were shown to have a negative impact on the outcomes, while an age ≥45 years was associated with less pain. There was no clinical difference between patients who underwent isolated CMI or combined procedures.

Single-Joint Type Hybrid Assistive Limb for Knee Training in the Acute Postoperative Phase After Opening Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy: A Feasibility and Safety Trial.

Opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) influences the knee extensor mechanism, the range of passive motion of knee extension and persistent quadriceps, and anterior knee pain and weakness. Rehabilitation should focus on quadriceps strength and improving joint mobility. The single-joint hybrid assistive limb device (HAL-SJ) is a wearable exoskeleton cyborg. In this study, we investigated the feasibility and safety of HAL-SJ training after the early postoperative period following OWHTO and whether the use of this device can improve functional outcomes, including knee muscle extensor strength and knee extension range of motion without knee pain. Patients who had been diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis and had undergone OWHTO were assessed for eligibility in this prospective trial conducted at our institution between June 2015 and November 2020. The participants were split into two groups, i.e., 10 patients in the hybrid assistive limb (HAL) group and eight patients in the control group. We initiated HAL-SJ therapy on postoperative day 8 and continued it until the patient's discharge. During the hospitalization period, patients engaged in HAL-SJ-assisted knee extension exercises. This exercise routine encompassed five sets, each comprising 10 repetitions, and was conducted twice a week. We conducted assessments aimed at detecting any potential adverse events that could be linked to HAL training. Assessment of the knee extension angle via the visual analog scale (VAS) and strength assessments using a hand-held dynamometer (HHD) were conducted. To compare clinical outcomes before and after OWHTO, knee extension angle, the VAS, HHD, Japanese Orthopaedics Association (JOA) score, and the Japanese Knee Osteoarthritis Measure (JKOM) were assessed at four distinct time points. No adverse events were observed during the study. The assessment of clinical outcomes before and after OWHTO demonstrated a gradual improvement in outcomes. The single-joint hybrid assistive limb device in patients who underwent OWHTO appears to be potentially safe. It contributed to enhanced muscle activity efficiency by reducing knee pain and improving knee extension angles in the early postoperative phase.

Optimal Tai Chi forms in knee osteoarthritis: An exploration from biomechanical rationale to pain reduction

ObjectivesTai Chi (TC) shows some beneficial effects in reducing pain in knee osteoarthritis (OA). However, the selection of criteria TC forms in previous studies were unclear and inconsistent, possibly accounting for the varying outcomes and rendering the training effects suboptimal. We have selected four optimal TC (OTC) forms based on the knee joint load and its association with pain. This pilot study sought to examine the effect of the OTC forms on reducing knee pain in individuals with knee OA. MethodsFifteen knee OA participants were recruited. Their knee joint pain level was rated by using the Visual Analogue Scale before and after two weeks of OTC training and compared between these two assessments. ResultsThe two-week OTC training course was well accepted by our participants. The knee OA pain showed a significant reduction (median pain score: 5 ​cm before training and 1 ​cm post-training, Wilcoxon p ​< ​0.001) after the two-week training program. ConclusionsOur pilot results revealed that the 2-week four-form-based OTC program could significantly reduce the knee pain level in people with knee OA. Additionally, our OTC program appears to be about 50% more effective in reducing knee pain than the existing TC-based program, which uses 10 ​TC forms over 12 weeks (1.59 vs. 1.06 in Hedge's g). The findings in this study may inform the development of OTC-based knee pain reduction programs and the design of relevant clinical trials to establish OTC's effectiveness, safety, and dose-response relationship in easing knee OA pain.

The varying clinical effectiveness of single, three and five intraarticular injections of platelet-rich plasma in knee osteoarthritis

ObjectiveTo investigate the variations in clinical effectiveness among patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis who underwent intra-articular administration of platelet-rich plasma using single, triple, or quintuple injections.MethodsOne hundred twenty patients with grade I-III knee osteoarthritis were randomly assigned to three groups: PRP1 group, who received a single injection of platelet-rich plasma; PRP3 group, who received three PRP injections one week apart; PRP5 group, who received five PRP injections one week apart. The patients’ conditions were evaluated using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index-VA3.1 version (WOMAC-VA3.1) at baseline and 6, 12, 24, and 52 weeks 52 weeks follow up.ResultsOut of the total participants, 106 patients (30 males and 76 females) completed the study. The primary outcome measure, WOMAC pain score, registered significant improvements across all groups when compared to pre-treatment levels. However, the application of 3 and 5 injections of platelet-rich plasma was substantially more effective than that of a single injection in reducing knee pain and stiffness, as well as enhancing physical function in patients with knee osteoarthritis. No statistically discernable difference was observed between PRP3 and PRP5 at all follow-up intervals, and there was no discernable difference between 3 and 5 PRP injections either. Mild side effects occurred in all three groups.ConclusionsThe administration of three or five injections of platelet-rich plasma is safe, substantially more effective than single injections, and leads to remarkable clinical improvement by significantly reducing knee pain, improving joint stiffness, and enhancing physical function in patients with grade I-III knee osteoarthritis. Furthermore, no significant difference was observed in the efficacy of three or five injections. Therefore, we recommend using three injections of PRP in the treatment of patients with knee osteoarthritis of grade I-III.