Integration of focal vibration and intra-articular oxygen-ozone therapy in rehabilitation of painful knee osteoarthritis.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To examine the pain-reducing effects of intra-articular oxygen-ozone (O₂O₃) injections and mechanical focal vibration (mFV) versus O₂O₃ injections alone in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Methods

Patients with chronic pain (>6 weeks) due to knee osteoarthritis (II-III on the Kellgren-Lawrence scale) were consecutively enrolled and divided into two groups: O₂O₃ (n?=?25) and O₂O₃-mFV (n?=?24). The visual analog scale (VAS), Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and Medical Research Council (MRC) Manual Muscle Testing scale were administered at baseline (before treatment), after 3 weeks of treatment, and 1 month after the end of treatment. Patients received three once-weekly intra-articular injections of O₂O₃ into the knee (20?mL O₃, 20??g/mL). The O₂O₃-mFV group also underwent nine sessions of mFV (three sessions per week).

Results

The VAS score, KOOS, and MRC score were significantly better in the O₂O₃-mFV than O₂O₃ group. The within-group analysis showed that all scores improved over time compared with baseline and were maintained even 1 month after treatment. No adverse events occurred.

Conclusion

An integrated rehabilitation protocol involving O₂O₃ injections and mFV for 3 weeks reduces pain, increases autonomy in daily life activities, and strengthens the quadriceps femoris.

SUBMITTER: Paolucci T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7923992 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature