The efficacy of therapeutic ultrasound for osteoarthritis of the knee

ABSTRACTAim: To evaluate the efficacy of therapeutic ultrasound on pain, function and activities of daily living in knee osteoarthritis (OA).Material and Method: Seventy eight women with knee OA were randomized into two groups as therapeutic ultrasound (US) and sham ultrasound (Sham). Ultrasound was applied at continuous mode, at a frequency of 1 MHz and an intensity of 1 Watt/cm2 for 5 minutes for 10 sessions. All patients were given lifestyle advices and a standardised home exercise program. Patients were evaluated with Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), 50 meters walking time and Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) before the treatment and at 2nd and 12th weeks.Findings: Seventy patients completed the study. No significant change was observed in 50 meters walking time and NHP surveys. Remarkable decreases were detected at the VAS scores in both groups and that was more significant in the US group (p=0.016). Although there was no difference between the two groups, significant improvements were detected at WOMAC pain (p=0.009), physical function (p=0.018) and total scores (p=0.015) only in US group. No side-effects were observed during the US treatment or follow-up periods.Conclusion: Therapeutic US treatment is an effective and safe approach for decreasing pain and improving activities of daily living in patients with knee OA and its efficacy lasts for at least 12 weeks.Key words: Knee, osteoarthritis, therapeutic ultrasound, WOMAC