Comparison the efficacies of phonophoresis and conventional ultrasound in treatments of patients with knee osteoarthritis

We compared the efficacy of physical therapy modalities; phonophoresis andultrasound in patients with primary knee osteoarthritis.40 patients who were accepted to Dicle University Physical Therapy andRehabilitation polyclinics diagnosed as knee osteoarthritis according to American Collage ofRheumatology criters were included in trial. Patients were randomized into two groups foradministrating ultrasound or phonophoresis. All patients knees? maximal flexion values weremeasured in this open and controlled trial. Morning stiffness, painless walking durations, anddistances were noted. Western Ontario Mc Master Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain score,and visual analogic scale (VAS) were used for assesing pain. WOMAC stiffness was used forassesing joint stiffness, WOMAC physical function score, Lequesne?s functional index andStanford Health Assesment Questionnaire (HAQ) were used for physical activities. Anxietywas evaluated by State /Trait Anxiety Inventory, depression was evaluated using BeckDepression Envantery. Therapies were administered for ten minutes for each knee, total 20minutes in a session for 10 sessions in groups. Phonophoresis was administered using %1.16diclofenac diethylamonium jel in the first group, ultrasound therapy was administered insecond group.In phonophoresis group, painless walking distance, walking, resting and flexion VASvalues improved in controls, painless walking duration improved significantly except for 15thday control. In ultrasound group; walking VAS, flexion VAS, WOMAC pain and WOMACphysical functions scores improved in controls.We determined; two modalities improve some clinic parameters howeverphonophoresis is superior to ultrasound therapy for improving painless walking time andsecond month resting VAS.In conclusion our trial indicated; both therapies are safe and efficacy in kneeosteoarthritis.