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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2016 Oct 17:6:35453.
doi: 10.1038/srep35453.

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

Lang Jia  1   2 , Yan Wang  2 , Jinyun Chen  2 , Wenzhi Chen  2   3
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

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

Lang Jia et al. Sci Rep. .

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.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. CONSORT diagram showing the disposition of patients in the study.
Figure 2
Figure 2. Procedure used for FLIPUS.
The ST-35, EX-LE 4, interior, and lateral knee joint spaces have been marked and the heads have been fixed to ST 35, EX-LE 4, and the knee joint space.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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