Topical therapies for knee osteoarthritis

Background: Symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA) involves millions of adults around the world.

Purpose: To analyze the effectiveness and tolerability of topical therapies and their contemporary placement in knee OA management criteria.

Methods: A Cochrane Library and PubMed (MEDLINE) search related to the role of topical therapies in knee OA was carried out.

Results: Many types of local therapy have been reported, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like diclofenac and ketoprofen; capsaicin, cream containing glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, and camphor; nimesulide; civamide cream 0.075%; menthol; drug-free gel containing ultra-deformable phospholipid vesicles (TDT 064); 4Jointz utilizing Acteev technology; herbal therapies; gel of medical leech (Hirudo medicinalis) saliva extract; and gel prepared using Lake Urmia mud. One systematic review showed that topical diclofenac and topical ketoprofen can alleviate pain. However, another systematic review found that topical diclofenac and ketoprofen had limited efficacy in knee OA at 6 to 12 weeks. Many studies with a low level of evidence have reported some pain mitigation using the rest of aforementioned topical therapies.

Conclusions: Although some controversy exists on the role of topical NSAIDs, current management guidelines advise topical NSAIDs as an option and even first-line therapy for knee OA treatment, particularly among elderly patients. Topical NSAIDs may be contemplated as similar options to oral NSAIDs and are associated with fewer gastrointestinal complications when compared with oral NSAIDs. Caution should be taken with the use of both topical and oral NSAIDs, including close adherence to dosing regimens and monitoring, especially for patients with previous complications of NSAIDs. The role of other topical therapies needs further research.     

Sensitization in patients with painful knee osteoarthritis

Pain is the dominant symptom in osteoarthritis (OA) and sensitization may contribute to the pain severity. This study investigated the role of sensitization in patients with painful knee OA by measuring (1) pressure pain thresholds (PPTs); (2) spreading sensitization; (3) temporal summation to repeated pressure pain stimulation; (4) pain responses after intramuscular hypertonic saline; and (5) pressure pain modulation by heterotopic descending noxious inhibitory control (DNIC). Forty-eight patients with different degrees of knee OA and twenty-four age- and sex-matched control subjects participated. The patients were separated into strong/severe (VAS ? 6) and mild/moderate pain (VAS < 6) groups. PPTs were measured from the peripatellar region, tibialis anterior (TA) and extensor carpi radialis longus muscles before, during and after DNIC. Temporal summation to pressure was measured at the most painful site in the peripatellar region and over TA. Patients with severely painful OA pain have significantly lower PPT than controls. For all locations (knee, leg, and arm) significantly negative correlations between VAS and PPT were found (more pain, more sensitization). OA patients showed a significant facilitation of temporal summation from both the knee and TA and had significantly less DNIC as compared with controls. No correlations were found between standard radiological findings and clinical/experimental pain parameters. However, patients with lesions in the lateral tibiofemoral knee compartment had higher pain ratings compared with those with intercondylar and medial lesions. This study highlights the importance of central sensitization as an important manifestation in knee OA.     

Thermal and mechanical pain sensitization in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee

Objective: The aim was to assess sensitization using quantitative sensory testing in mechanical and thermal modes in individuals with and without osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. Pain thresholds were correlated with functionality, symptoms of depression and intensity of pain. Methods: Thirty control volunteers and 30 patients with OA of the knee were assessed. Punctate pain thresholds using Von Frey filaments and thermal pain thresholds using a Thermal Sensory Analyzer were evaluated in the periarticular region of the knee and forearm. Using a digital pressure algometer, pressure pain thresholds were assessed in the periarticular region of the knee and on the root exit zone on the lumbar and sacral spine. Results: Punctate, pressure, and thermal pain thresholds differed significantly between participants with and without OA (p < 0.05). Values in those with OA were consistent with pain sensitization. Pressure pain thresholds also showed moderate and negative correlations with data on functionality, symptoms of depression and intensity of pain (?0.36 < r > ?0.56), contributing up to 30% of their variability. Conclusions: Allodynia and hyperalgesia were demonstrated in the OA group, suggesting central sensitization in patients with mild to moderate severity of joint damage. Correlation between mechanical hypersensitivity and psychosocial factors seems to be small, despite of its significance.     

Living experiences of middle-aged adults with early knee osteoarthritis in prediagnostic phase

Purpose: The aim of this study was to understand the living experiences of middle-aged Taiwanese adults with early knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: A qualitative research design was used in this study. Participants (n?=?17) were recruited by purposive sampling from orthopedic clinics at two medical centers in northern Taiwan. Data were collected through in-depth interviews from July to December 2010. The data were transcribed verbatim and summarized by content analysis. Results: The results indicated that the lived experiences could be grouped into 4 main themes: awareness; surmise of causes; acquisition of strategies; and the search for confirmative diagnosis. Conclusions: This study found that patients’ knowledge is insufficient for recognition of the presence of early OA. There is a need for clinicians to integrate knowledge of OA into the health education system and to develop interventions for early knee osteoarthritic patients. Patients’ disease cognition must be promoted so that their ability to process early symptoms of this disease will improve.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• Awareness, surmise of causes, and acquisition of strategies are repetitive circles. Patients pursue the true cause for their knee joint disease and seek confirmative diagnosis when the symptoms do not improve or when they became worse.

• The information patients have is insufficient to know the presence of degenerative osteoarthritis disease.

• There is a need for clinical practitioners to integrate knowledge of osteoarthritis into the health education system to increase awareness and to develop appropriate interventions for patients with early knee OA.

     

Effects of physiotherapy treatment on knee osteoarthritis gait data using principal component analysis

Background

Interpreting gait data is challenging due to intersubject variability observed in the gait pattern of both normal and pathological populations. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of using principal component analysis for grouping knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients' gait data in more homogeneous groups when studying the effect of a physiotherapy treatment.

Methods

Three-dimensional (3D) knee kinematic and kinetic data were recorded during the gait of 29 participants diagnosed with knee OA before and after they received 12 weeks of physiotherapy treatment. Principal component analysis was applied to extract groups of knee flexion/extension, adduction/abduction and internal/external rotation angle and moment data. The treatment's effect on parameters of interest was assessed using paired t-tests performed before and after grouping the knee kinematic data.

Findings

Increased quadriceps and hamstring strength was observed following treatment (P < 0.05). Except for the knee flexion/extension angle, two different groups (G₁ and G₂) were extracted from the angle and moment data. When pre- and post-treatment analyses were performed considering the groups, participants exhibiting a G₂ knee moment pattern demonstrated a greater first peak flexion moment, lower adduction moment impulse and smaller rotation angle range post-treatment (P < 0.05). When pre- and post-treatment comparisons were performed without grouping, the data showed no treatment effect.

Interpretation

The results of the present study suggest that the effect of physiotherapy on gait mechanics of knee osteoarthritis patients may be masked or underestimated if kinematic data are not separated into more homogeneous groups when performing pre- and post-treatment comparisons.     

Efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation for treatment of knee osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis.MethodsA literature review was conducted using the PubMed, Cochrane Review, Embase, and Google Scholar databases. Two reviewers independently assessed the eligibility of all retrieved studies. The research was reported based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to ensure the reliability and verity of the results. The statistical analysis was performed using STATA version 13.0.ResultsNine randomized controlled trials were collected for the data extraction and meta-analysis. Significant differences in the pain score at 4, 12, and 24 weeks were found between patients treated with radiofrequency ablation and those treated with placebo. Furthermore, the use of radiofrequency ablation was associated with an improved outcome of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index at 4, 12, and 24 weeks. No serious adverse events were observed in any patients who underwent radiofrequency ablation.ConclusionRadiofrequency ablation is efficacious and safe for reducing pain and improving knee function in patients with knee osteoarthritis, without increasing the risk of adverse effects.     

Associations between gait and clinical parameters in patients with severe knee osteoarthritis: A multiple correspondence analysis

Background

Given the complexity of the gait of patients with knee osteoarthritis, a multiple correspondence analysis may be helpful to optimise the extraction of relevant gait and clinical information. Therefore, the aims of this study are to identify the main associations with clinical and gait biomechanical parameters and to evaluate whether there are more specific knee osteoarthritis groups with different gait profiles.

Methods

Ninety patients with severe knee osteoarthritis and twenty-six healthy individuals participated in this study. Pain and function were assessed with the WOMAC Index; knee joint deformity was assessed by the hip-knee-ankle angle on full-limb radiography; and full body gait analysis was performed with a motion analysis system and force plates.

Findings

Using multiple correspondence analysis, two categories of gait parameters that best explain the gait variance of patients with knee osteoarthritis were highlighted. The forward displacement category is composed of the parameters speed, stride length, hip flexion and knee flexion. The frontal category is composed of the parameters thorax obliquity and knee adductor moments. Moreover, based on these parameters, four distinct gait profiles were identified: two gait profiles were associated with knee varus deformities, increased thorax obliquity and different forward displacements, while two gait profiles were associated with valgus deformities and different forward displacements.

Interpretation

These gait parameters can be used to simplify the characterisation of the gait of the knee osteoarthritis population. Patients in varus profiles increase thorax obliquity on the stance limb and may reduce forward displacement. Patients in valgus profiles, however, only reduce forward displacement.     

超声治疗膝骨关节炎的疗效分析

目的 应用超声关节炎治疗仪治疗膝关节骨关节炎患者,探讨超声在治疗膝关节骨关节炎中的应用价值。方法 膝关节骨关节炎患者87例,病膝100例。将病膝随机分为超声关节炎治疗仪治疗组,即超声组（A组）50例和安慰剂组（B组）50例,即无超声治疗组。比较分析两组患者治疗前后的疼痛视觉模拟评分（VAS）评分和勒凯纳（Lequesne）评分。结果 A组单样本分析显示VAS疗效指数P=0．000,Lequesne疗效指数P=0．000。B组单样本分析显示VAS疗效指数P=0．000,Lequesne疗效指数P=0．024。A、B组独立样本t检验显示VAS疗效指数P=0．000,Lequesne疗效指数P=0．000。结论 超声治疗可明显减轻膝关节炎的局部症状,缓解关节肿胀,增加关节的活动度,减轻关节炎症,对膝骨关节炎有良好的治疗效果。     

本体感觉训练治疗膝骨性关节炎的疗效观察

目的:观察本体感觉训练对膝骨性关节炎(KOA)的临床疗效。方法:选取KOA患者102例,随机分为观察组与对照组,每组51例。2组患者均给予常规运动疗法及经皮神经肌肉电刺激治疗,观察组在此基础上进行本体感觉训练。于治疗前、治疗4周后,分别采用角度尺评定关节活动度(ROM);视觉模拟评分法(VAS)进行疼痛评分;BioDex平衡测试系统测量静态跌倒风险指数(SFI)、动态跌倒风险指数(DFI)及姿势稳定极限性(LOS);“起立-行走”计时测试(TUGT)、西安大略和麦克马斯特大学骨关节炎指数(WOMAC)评价膝关节功能,并于出院3个月后进行满意度评分对远期疗效进行观察。结果:治疗4周后,2组膝关节的主动活动度(AROM)和被动活动度(PROM)、VAS、平衡功能各项评分、TUGT时间、WOMAC评分均显著优于训练前(均P<0.05),且观察组均优于对照组(P<0.05);患者出院3个月后满意度观察组为92.16%,明显高于对照组80.39%(P<0.01)。结论:在常规康复干预基础上联用本体感觉训练能进一步缓解KOA患者疼痛,改善膝关节功能、屈膝角度及平衡能力,提高患者生...     

The association between knee temperature and pain in elders with osteoarthritis of the knee: a pilot study

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis is a highly prevalent, disabling condition that causes significant pain and suffering among older adults. Cognitively impaired elders are as susceptible to osteoarthritis as their peers. However, since they have diminished ability to communicate their pain, an alternative method to detect osteoarthritis pain in cognitively impaired elders is urgently needed. Because the late stages of osteoarthritis involve joint inflammation with a mild increase in local temperature, skin surface temperature might reasonably be expected to serve as a proxy measure of osteoarthritis pain. If knee surface temperature could be shown to predict pain in cognitively intact elders, it could be used as a proxy measure of pain for cognitively impaired elders. AIM: To test this, the study reported here assessed the relationship between knee surface temperature and pain in cognitively intact elders with osteoarthritis of the knee. METHODS: We recruited 12 cognitively intact elders with documented osteoarthritis of the knee who lived in retirement apartments. Elders' pain and knee temperature were measured three times on three separate occasions. Osteoarthritis pain of the knee was measured using the Knee Pain Scale and the Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index pain subscale. A YSI Model 4000 Dual Channel Display Telethermometer was used to measure knee temperature. RESULTS: We found no significant associations between knee temperature and any of the pain measures used, with one exception. However, body mass index, amount of pain medication used and activity level observed during the interview were significantly related to elders' pain. CONCLUSION: Knee temperature does not appear to predict knee pain in elders with osteoarthritis of the knee. Body mass index, use of pain medication and activity level are better predictors of this.     

蜡疗结合短波治疗膝骨性关节炎临床研究

目的观察蜡疗结合短波治疗膝骨性关节炎的疗效。方法将80例膝关节骨性关节炎患者随机分为两组,治疗组40例,给予蜡疗结合短波治疗,每日2次,常规治疗20 d;对照组40例,给予双氯芬酸钠口服治疗,50 mg,每日2次,治疗15～20 d。采用视觉模拟评分法（VAS）、西安大略和麦克马斯特大学骨性关节炎指数可视化量表（WOMAC）指数作为临床观察指标,观察两组治疗效果。结果两组治疗前后自身对照症状及关节功能得到明显改善,积分比较差异有统计学意义（P〈0.01）,两组间疗效比较差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。结论蜡疗结合短波治疗膝关节骨性关节炎疗效显著,不良反应发生率低,优于口服药物治疗。     

Volume and mobility of the infrapatellar fat pad during quasi-static knee extension after manual therapy in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized control trial study

[Purpose] This study aimed to determine whether the volume and mobility of the infrapatellar fat pad (IPFP) change as a result of manual release or stretching during quasi-static knee extension in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). [Participants and Methods] Fourteen patients with KOA were allocated to one of two groups: the manual release (R) and stretching (S, control) groups. They all underwent 12 treatment sessions in in a space of four weeks. We created 3D models of the IPFP, tibia, patella, and patellar tendon using sagittal MRI scans with the knee at 30° or 0°. We compared the differences in (1) the distance of anterior movement of the anterior surface of the IPFP (IPFP movement) and (2) the volume of the IPFP, between the R and S groups, using the 3D models. [Results] Neither group showed any anterior movement of the IPFP during quasi-static knee extension at pre-intervention; however, both groups showed significant anterior movement of the IPFP at post-intervention. IPFP movement decreased in the S group, meanwhile it increased in the R group at post-intervention. [Conclusion] Anterior movement of the IPFP was more increased by manual release than by stretching since the latter may have shortened the distance between the patella and tibial tuberosity at 0° and 30° flexion.     

核心稳定性锻炼对膝骨关节炎的临床效果观察

目的：探讨核心稳定性锻炼对膝骨关节炎的治疗效果。方法选择膝骨关节炎患者60例,应用计算机随机分为两组,对照组30例采用常规理疗、针灸、熏洗、按摩等治疗,治疗组在常规治疗基础上加入核心稳定性锻炼。治疗前后采用 Lysholm 膝关节评分量表和视觉模拟评分法（VAS）进行评定。结果治疗组治疗前后 VAS 分别为（8.31±1.16）、（3.37±0.97）分,差异有统计学意义（t =16.30,P=0.00）;对照组治疗前后 VAS 分别为（8.26±1.22）、（5.06±0.82）分,差异有统计学意义（t =12.19,P=0.00）;两组治疗后比较差异有统计学意义（t =-6.98,P =0.00）。治疗组治疗前后 Lysholm 膝关节量表评分分别为（32.92±4.21）、（60.19±4.42）分,差异有统计学意义（t =-30.44,P =0.00）;对照组治疗前后 Lysholm 膝关节量表评分分别为（34.82±5.58）、（53.49±3.66）分,差异有统计学意义（t =-14.82,P =0.00）;两组治疗后比较差异有统计学意义（t =7.16,P =0.00）。结论核心稳定性锻炼能进一步改善膝骨关节炎患者膝关节功能,缓解疼痛。     

The psychometric properties of an Arabic numeric pain rating scale for measuring osteoarthritis knee pain

Purpose: The aims of this study were to translate the numeric rating scale (NRS) into Arabic and to evaluate the test–retest reliability and convergent validity of an Arabic Numeric Pain Rating Scale (ANPRS) for measuring pain in osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee.

Methods: The English version of the NRS was translated into Arabic as per the translation process guidelines for patient-rated outcome scales. One hundred twenty-one consecutive patients with OA of the knee who had experienced pain for more than 6 months were asked to report their pain levels on the ANPRS, visual analogue scale (VAS), and verbal rating scale (VRS). A second assessment was performed 48 h after the first to assess test–retest reliability. The test–retest reliability was calculated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC_2,1). The convergent validity was assessed using Spearman rank correlation coefficient. In addition, the minimum detectable change (MDC) and standard error of measurement (SEM) were also assessed.

Results: The repeatability of ANPRS was good to excellent (ICC 0.89). The SEM and MDC were 0.71 and 1.96, respectively. Significant correlations were found with the VAS and VRS scores (p?<0.01).

Conclusions: The Arabic numeric pain rating scale is a valid and reliable scale for measuring pain levels in OA of the knee.

• Implications for Rehabilitation

• The Arabic Numeric Pain Rating Scale (ANPRS) is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring pain in osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee, with psychometric properties in agreement with other widely used scales.

• The ANPRS is well correlated with the VAS and NRS scores in patients with OA of the knee.

• The ANPRS appears to measure pain intensity similar to the VAS, NRS, and VRS and may provide additional advantages to Arab populations, as Arabic numbers are easily understood by this population.

     

The effect of a group education programme on pain and function through knowledge acquisition and home-based exercise among patients with knee osteoarthritis: A parallel randomised single-blind clinical trial

Objectives

To assess the effect of a group education programme on pain and function through knowledge acquisition and a home-based exercise programme.

Design

A parallel randomised single-blind clinical trial.

Participants

Fifty patients aged 65 years or over with knee osteoarthritis.

Interventions

The study group (n = 25) was given a group education programme once a week for 4 weeks, followed by a self-executed home-based exercise programme. The controls (n = 25) were given a brief course in short-wave diathermy treatment.

Main outcome measures

Patients were assessed before the intervention, after the intervention (4 weeks) and again 8 weeks later (follow-up) using the Western Ontario McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), the repeated sit-to-stand test and the get-up-and-go test.

Results

At 4 weeks, there was a significant improvement in both groups in all outcome variables except the WOMAC stiffness score; for example, the WOMAC total score was reduced by a mean of 9.5 points [95% confidence interval (CI) −12.3 to −6.7]. However, at follow-up, patients in the study group demonstrated continued improvement in the get-up-and-go test and the WOMAC total, pain and disability scores, but no such improvement was noted among the controls. This difference was significant; for example, the difference in mean WOMAC total score between the groups was −9.0 points (95%CI −14.5 to −3.4).

Conclusion

A simple group education programme for patients with knee osteoarthritis is associated with improved functional abilities and pain reduction. Further study is required to determine if this positive effect can be maintained over a longer period.     

Acupuncture as an adjunctive therapy to pharmacological treatment in patients with chronic pain due to osteoarthritis of the knee: a 3-armed, randomized, placebo-controlled trial

The efficacy of acupuncture as an adjunctive therapy to pharmacological treatment of chronic pain due to knee osteoarthritis was studied with a 3-armed, single-blind, randomized, sham-controlled trial; it compared acupuncture combined with pharmacological treatment, sham acupuncture including pharmacological treatment, and pharmacological treatment alone. A total of 120 patients with knee osteoarthritis were randomly allocated to 3 groups: group I was treated with acupuncture and etoricoxib, group II with sham acupuncture and etoricoxib, and group III with etoricoxib. The primary efficacy variable was the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) index and its subscales at the end of treatment at week 8. Secondary efficacy variables included the WOMAC index at the end of weeks 4 and 12, a visual analogue scale (VAS) at the end of weeks 4, 8, and 12, and the Short Form 36 version 2 (SF-36v2) health survey at the end of week 8. An algometer was used to determine changes in a predetermined unique fixed trigger point for every patient at the end of weeks 4, 8, and 12. Group I exhibited statistically significant improvements in primary and secondary outcome measures, except for Short Form mental component, compared with the other treatment groups. We conclude that acupuncture with etoricoxib is more effective than sham acupuncture with etoricoxib, or etoricoxib alone for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis.     

聚焦超声辅助治疗对膝关节骨关节炎患者近期膝关节功能及炎性因子水平的影响

目的 分析聚焦超声波辅助治疗对膝关节骨关节炎患者近期膝关节功能及炎性因子水平的影响。方法 选取膝关节骨关节炎患者80例,根据随机数字表法分为常规组与研究组,每组各40例。常规组给予药物干预联合功能锻炼,研究组在常规组治疗的基础上加用聚焦超声波辅助治疗。两组患者均治疗4周。比较两组患者的膝关节功能、疼痛程度以及关节液白介素-1(IL-1)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、IL-6水平。结果 治疗2、4周后,研究组VAS评分均低于常规组(P＜0.05);治疗4周后,研究组关节僵硬、关节肿胀、关节压痛、运动时痛、休息时痛以及总分均低于常规组(P＜0.05);研究组膝关节屈曲度、伸直度以及屈伸弧度均高于常规组(P＜0.05);研究组关节液IL-1、TNF-α以及IL-6均低于常规组(P＜0.05)。结论 聚焦超声波辅助治疗改善了膝关节骨关节炎患者近期膝关节功能,减轻了疼痛程度,降低了炎性因子水平,值得临床重视。