scholarly journals Acupotomy Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis Pain: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Jigao Sun ◽  
Yan Zhao ◽  
Ruizheng Zhu ◽  
Qianglong Chen ◽  
Mengge Song ◽  
...  

Background and Purpose. Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a major public health problem, and currently, few effective medical treatments exist. Chinese acupotomy therapy has been widely used for the treatment of knee OA in China. We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of Chinese acupotomy in treating knee OA to inform clinical practice. Methods. We performed a comprehensive search on PubMed, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and four Chinese databases for articles published prior to June 2020. We included only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that used acupotomy therapy as the major intervention in adults with knee OA, were published in either Chinese and English, included more than 20 subjects in each group, and included pain and function in the outcome measures. Knee OA was defined by the American College of Rheumatology or Chinese Orthopedic Association criteria in all studies. We extracted the visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain score, the total effectiveness rate, the modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) activities of daily living score, and Lysholm’s score. We calculated the mean difference (MD) or risk ratio (RR) for all relevant outcomes. Meta-analyses were conducted using random-effects models when appropriate. Results. We identified 1317 potentially relevant studies, thirty-two of which met the eligibility criteria and were conducted in China between 2007 and 2020. A total of 3021 knee OA patients (62.96% female, median age: 57 years, and median disease duration: 33 months) were included. The treatment duration ranged from 1 week to 5 weeks (median: 3 weeks). The typical acupotomy treatment involved releasing soft tissue adhesions and was performed once a week for 1–5 weeks until the pain was relieved. The control group treatments included acupuncture (8 studies), electroacupuncture (10 studies), sodium hyaluronate (8 studies), radiofrequency electrotherapy (1 study), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, 5 studies). The results from the meta-analysis showed that acupotomy led to superior improvements in the VAS pain score (MD = −1.11; 95% confidence interval (CI), −1.51 to −0.71; p  < 0.00001) and WOMAC pain score (MD = −2.32; 95% CI, −2.94 to −1.69; p  < 0.00001), a higher total effectiveness rate (RR = 1.15; 95% CI, 1.09–1.21; p  < 0.00001), and superior improvements in the JOA score (MD = 6.39; 95% CI, 4.11–9.76; p  < 0.00001) and Lysholm’s score (MD = 12.75; 95% CI, 2.61–22.89; p  = 0.01) for overall pain and function. No serious adverse events were reported. Conclusion. Chinese acupotomy therapy may relieve pain and improve function in patients with knee OA. Furthermore, rigorously designed and well-controlled RCTs are warranted.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matjaz Vogrin ◽  
Jakob Naranda ◽  
Mario Gorenjak ◽  
Tomaz Bajec ◽  
Domen Mongus ◽  
...  

Abstract BackgroundIn this study we focused on evaluating the effect of intra-articular platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and hyaluronic acid (HA) on the qualitative and quantitative properties of the articular cartilage in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA).MethodsWe evaluated 264 patients undergoing treatment of moderate knee OA. Patients aged between 40 and 70 years were included with articular K-L stage ≤ 2. Patients were randomized into three groups and treated with three doses of intra-articular PRP, HA, or placebo injection. Patients were evaluated clinically and by using T2 mapping.ResultsBoth PRP (619.05 ± 243 ms; p = 2.7 × 10− 5) and HA (637.12 ± 273 ms; p = 1.×10− 4) group showed statistically significant lower post-application T2 relaxation times in comparison to the placebo group (859.80 ± 406 ms).Cartilage thickness increased significantly after PRP (2.41±0.87 vs. 2.58±0.97 mm, p=0.033) and HA (2.28±0.81 vs. 2.80±1.00 mm, p=1.8×10) applications. There was a significant decrease in WOMAC pain score by 30% (p=0,001) and the overall WOMAC score by 27 p=1.9×10-4%) in PRP group. The decrease in WOMAC pain score and the overall WOMAC score in the placebo group was similar to the results observed in the PRP group. In the HA group a significant decrease in WOMAC pain score by 14% (p=0,005) was observed only at the first follow-up, whereas no difference was observed at the second follow-up. ConclusionsT2 mapping of cartilage tissue may aid to monitor its properties after the intra-articular therapies in knee OA. However, there is a discrepancy between clinical findings and the results of T2 mapping, suggesting questionable grounds for applying intra-articular therapy.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hafiz Muhammad Asim Raza ◽  
Grazina Krutulyte ◽  
Inesa Rimdeikiene ◽  
Raimondas Savickas

Abstract Objectives To identify literature reporting on thermal mineral water and mud therapy effectiveness on pain, stiffness and knee function in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Design Systematic evidence scan of MEDLINE and PubMed was performed to identify the randomized controlled trial studies published from 2004 to December 2018. Study selection Papers reporting the effect of balneotherapy and mud therapy for treating knee OA, a duration of ≥2 weeks and in which Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores were used as an outcome measure. Data extraction Not RCT, Studies not in English. Results A quantitative meta-analysis of ten studies (831 patients) was performed. Five clinical studies (407 patients) measured effectiveness of balneotherapy and there was significant difference between the groups in WOMAC pain score, WOMAC stiffness score and WOMAC function score, with the differences in favour of balneotherapy. Six clinical studies (500 patients) measured effectiveness of mud therapy and there was significant difference between the groups in WOMAC pain score, WOMAC stiffness score and WOMAC function score, with the differences in favour of mud therapy. Conclusion This meta-analysis indicates that balneotherapy and mud therapy were clinically effective in relieving pain, stiffness, and improving function, as assessed by WOMAC score.


Author(s):  
Shih-Hsiang Chou ◽  
Po-Chih Shen ◽  
Cheng-Chang Lu ◽  
Zi-Miao Liu ◽  
Yin-Chun Tien ◽  
...  

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) was first introduced for treating knee osteoarthritis (OA) in 2010 and has emerged as a minimally invasive treatment option. Three RFA techniques have been adopted for treating knee OA, including conventional, pulsed, and cooled RFA. However, the efficacy among different RFA techniques in the treatment of knee OA is still unclear. Three electronic databases were systematically searched for relevant articles, including PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library. A meta-analysis of articles that investigated the use of RFA techniques in the treatment of knee OA was conducted to pool the effect size in pain before and after treatment. A total of 20 eligible articles (including 605 patients) were included for our meta-analysis. After treatment, the patients had significant improvements in pain for all three RFA techniques when compared with the baseline level for the 1, 3-, and 6-month follow-ups (p < 0.00001). However, there were no significant differences in the efficacy among the three RFA techniques for all follow-up visits (p > 0.05). The three RFA techniques demonstrated a significant improvement in pain for up to 6 months after treatment. Comparing the efficacy of the three RFA techniques in the treatment of knee OA, our results showed that no significant differences in pain relief among the three RFA techniques were observed at the 1-, 3-, 6, and 12-month follow-up visits.


2020 ◽  
pp. jrheum.200217
Author(s):  
Ling Zhao ◽  
Ke Cheng ◽  
Fan Wu ◽  
Jiong Du ◽  
Yue Chen ◽  
...  

Objective To examine the effects of laser moxibustion on pain and function in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Methods A double-blind randomized clinical trial (4-week treatment, 20-week follow-up) was conducted. A total of 392 symptomatic knee osteoarthritis patients with moderate or greater clinically significant knee pain were randomly assigned to laser treatment or sham laser control group (1:1). Twelve sessions of laser moxibustion treatments or sham on the acupuncture points at the affected knee(s) were performed three times a week for 4 weeks. The primary outcome measurement was change in WOMAC pain score from baseline to week 4. Results Among the 392 randomized participants, 364 (92.86%) completed the trial. The median WOMAC pain score significantly decreased at week 4 in the active group than in the sham group (2.1; 95% CI, 1.6 to 2.6; P < .01). At week 24, compared to the sham laser, active laser treatment resulted in significant pain reduction and function improvement (3.0; 95% CI, 2.5 to 3.6; P < 0.01, and 14.8; 95% CI, 11.9 to 17.6; P < .01, respectively). The physical component of the quality of life significantly improved in the active group than in the sham control at week 4 (3.2; 95% CI, 1.3 to 5.0; P = 0.001) up to week 24 (5.1; 95% CI, 3.3 to 7.0; P < .001). No serious adverse effects were reported. Conclusion Laser moxibustion resulted in statistically and clinically significant pain reduction and function improvement following a 4-week treatment in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Keywords: 10.6μm laser moxibustion, knee osteoarthritis, pain, traditional Chinese medicine, phototherapy


2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (03) ◽  
pp. 259-268 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wen-Li Dai ◽  
Ze-Ming Lin ◽  
Dong-Hong Guo ◽  
Zhan-Jun Shi ◽  
Jian Wang

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to use meta-analytic approach to compare the efficacy and safety of intraarticular hylan and hyaluronic acid (HA) for knee osteoarthritis (OA) treatment. We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane databases through July 2017 to identify Level I randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated clinical efficacy and safety of hylan compared with HA for knee OA. The primary outcomes were Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain, and WOMAC function scores. In each study and for the outcome measures (VAS for pain, WOMAC pain, function and stiffness scores, and Lequesne score), we calculated the treatment effect from the difference between the preintervention and postintervention changes in the hylan and HA groups. Twenty-one RCTs involving 3,058 patients were included. Pooled analysis suggested that compared with HA, hylan was associated with similar pain relief and function improvement in patients with knee OA (VAS for pain: mean difference [MD], –3.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], –9.13 to 3.04; p = 0.33; I 2 = 76%. WOMAC pain score: MD, 0.23; 95% CI, –0.25 to 0.70; p = 0.35; I 2 = 0%. WOMAC function score: MD, –0.47; 95% CI, –6.81 to 5.88; p = 0.88; I 2 = 84%). No significant difference was found comparing the patients with treatment-related adverse events. The relationship was robust in sensitivity analysis and consistent in most of the subgroup analyses. As to the primary outcomes (WOMAC pain, function scores, VAS for pain), the difference between hylan and HA did not reach the previously reported minimum clinically important difference (MCID) values (–13.4 for VAS for pain, –2.0 for WOMAC pain score, –7.7 for WOMAC function score). Our meta-analysis showed that there were no statistically and clinically significant differences in pain relief and function improvement between hylan and HA injections for knee OA treatment. In view of its higher costs, we discourage the use of hylan in patients with knee OA in clinical practice. The level of evidence is I, meta-analysis of Level I studies.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bingbing Zhang ◽  
Xing Yu ◽  
Long Liang ◽  
Liguo Zhu ◽  
Xiaopeng Dong ◽  
...  

Background. Using the lateral wedge insole is a conservative management strategy for knee osteoarthritis. The theoretical basis for this intervention is to correct femorotibial angle, thereby reducing pain and optimising function. Objective. This systematic review evaluates the evidence on the effectiveness of wedge insole compared with flat insole for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. Methods. A systematic review was performed, searching published (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CNKI, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) and unpublished literature from their inception to April 2018. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the use of wedge insole with a flat insole were included. Risk of bias and clinical relevance were assessed, and outcomes were analysed through meta-analysis. Result. From a total of 413 citations, 8 studies adhered to the a priori eligibility criteria. The WOMAC pain was shown to be statistically nonsignificant change with the use of wedge insole (SMD=0.07), and low heterogeneity (I2=22%) and a 95% CI that crossed zero (95% CI: −0.09 to 0.24). The 5 independent trials were not significant in improving pain score (SMD = −0.02, 95% CI: −0.19 to 0.16). This review also revealed no significance in improving Lequesne index (SMD = −0.27, 95% CI: −0.72 to 0.19). The meta-analysis from the 2 independent trials was significant in improving femorotibial angle (SMD = −0.41, 95% CI: −0.73 to -0.09). In conclusion, this meta-analysis suggested that lateral wedge insoles can improve femorotibial angle but are of no benefit with pain and functions in knee osteoarthritis.


2020 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 249-260 ◽  
Author(s):  
John W. Belk ◽  
Matthew J. Kraeutler ◽  
Darby A. Houck ◽  
Jesse A. Goodrich ◽  
Jason L. Dragoo ◽  
...  

Background: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and hyaluronic acid (HA) are 2 nonoperative treatment options for knee osteoarthritis (OA) that are supposed to provide symptomatic relief and help delay surgical intervention. Purpose: To systematically review the literature to compare the efficacy and safety of PRP and HA injections for the treatment of knee OA. Study Design: Meta-analysis of level 1 studies. Methods: A systematic review was performed by searching PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Embase to identify level 1 studies that compared the clinical efficacy of PRP and HA injections for knee OA. The search phrase used was platelet-rich plasma hyaluronic acid knee osteoarthritis randomized. Patients were assessed via the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, and Subjective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scale. A subanalysis was also performed to isolate results from patients who received leukocyte-poor and leukocyte-rich PRP. Results: A total of 18 studies (all level 1) met inclusion criteria, including 811 patients undergoing intra-articular injection with PRP (mean age, 57.6 years) and 797 patients with HA (mean age, 59.3 years). The mean follow-up was 11.1 months for both groups. Mean improvement was significantly higher in the PRP group (44.7%) than the HA group (12.6%) for WOMAC total scores ( P < .01). Of 11 studies based on the VAS, 6 reported PRP patients to have significantly less pain at latest follow-up when compared with HA patients ( P < .05). Of 6 studies based on the Subjective IKDC outcome score, 3 reported PRP patients to have significantly better scores at latest follow-up when compared with HA patients ( P < .05). Finally, leukocyte-poor PRP was associated with significantly better Subjective IKDC scores versus leukocyte-rich PRP ( P < .05). Conclusion: Patients undergoing treatment for knee OA with PRP can be expected to experience improved clinical outcomes when compared with HA. Additionally, leukocyte-poor PRP may be a superior line of treatment for knee OA over leukocyte-rich PRP, although further studies are needed that directly compare leukocyte content in PRP injections for treatment of knee OA.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. e043026
Author(s):  
Erin M Macri ◽  
Michael Callaghan ◽  
Marienke van Middelkoop ◽  
Miriam Hattle ◽  
Sita M A Bierma-Zeinstra

IntroductionKnee osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent and disabling musculoskeletal condition. Biomechanical factors may play a key role in the aetiology of knee OA, therefore, a broad class of interventions involves the application or wear of devices designed to mechanically support knees with OA. These include gait aids, bracing, taping, orthotics and footwear. The literature regarding efficacy of mechanical interventions has been conflicting or inconclusive, and this may be because certain subgroups with knee OA respond better to mechanical interventions. Our primary aim is to identify subgroups with knee OA who respond favourably to mechanical interventions.Methods and analysisWe will conduct a systematic review to identify randomised clinical trials of any mechanical intervention for the treatment of knee OA. We will invite lead authors of eligible studies to share individual participant data (IPD). We will perform an IPD meta-analysis for each type of mechanical intervention to evaluate efficacy, with our main outcome being pain. Where IPD are not available, this will be achieved using aggregate data. We will then evaluate five potential treatment effect modifiers using a two-stage approach. If data permit, we will also evaluate whether biomechanics mediate the effects of mechanical interventions on pain in knee OA.Ethics and disseminationNo new data will be collected in this study. We will adhere to institutional, national and international regulations regarding the secure and confidential sharing of IPD, addressing ethics as indicated. We will disseminate findings via international conferences, open-source publication in peer-reviewed journals and summaries posted on websites serving the public and clinicians.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020155466.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 719-728
Author(s):  
Jiaqian Wang ◽  
Liang Zhou ◽  
Yong Zhang ◽  
Lixin Huang ◽  
Qin Shi

Aims The purpose of our study was to determine whether mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are an effective and safe therapeutic agent for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (OA), owing to their cartilage regeneration potential. Methods We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library, with keywords including “knee osteoarthritis” and “mesenchymal stem cells”, up to June 2019. We selected randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that explored the use of MSCs to treat knee OA. The visual analogue scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), adverse events, and the whole-organ MRI score (WORMS) were used as the primary evaluation tools in the studies. Our meta-analysis included a subgroup analysis of cell dose and cell source. Results Seven trials evaluating 256 patients were included in the meta-analysis. MSC treatment significantly improved the VAS (mean difference (MD), –13.24; 95% confidence intervals (CIs) –23.28 to –3.20, p = 0.010) and WOMAC (MD, –7.22; 95% CI –12.97 to –1.47, p = 0.010). The low-dose group with less than 30 million cells showed lower p-values for both the VAS and WOMAC. Adipose and umbilical cord–derived stem cells also had lower p-values for pain scores than those derived from bone marrow. Conclusion Overall, MSC-based cell therapy is a relatively safe treatment that holds great potential for OA, evidenced by a positive effect on pain and knee function. Using low-dose (25 million) and adipose-derived stem cells is likely to achieve better results, but further research is needed. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2020;9(10):719–728.


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