Comparative study of the effectiveness of high-power laser and ketoprofen phonophoresis in chronic knees osteoarthritis

Abstract

Background. Osteoarthritis is one of the major causes of disability and reduced quality of life. characterized by progressive joint degeneration. It decreases the flexibility of the joint, and causes pain, joint effusion, deformities and loss of function. Objective. To investigate the effectiveness of phonophoresis and high-power laser therapy on bilateral knees osteoarthritis. Design. A prospective randomized double-blind trial. Setting. Outpatient Swiss physical therapy center. Methods. Thirty patients from both genders, with their age ranging from 50-65 years that had diagnosed bilateral knees osteoarthritis selected randomized assigned into two equal groups. Group (A) received single application of high-power laser NDYAG 1064nm.Group (B) received single application of phonophoresis. Pain, Difficulty and joint effusion were measured by Ultrasonographic findings and western Ontario and McMaster universities (WOMAC) osteoarthritis index before and after 10 sessions treatment. Results. Statistical analysis was done by using paired’ test which showed significant improvement in both groups. Therefore, there was a significant difference between Group(A) and Group(B), showing that HILL group(A) is more effective than group(B) on pain, Stiffness, Function and ultrasonographic findings (p < 0.05). Conclusion. High power laser therapy has shown significant results in the reduction of pain, stiffness, improving function and effusion in subjects with bilateral knees osteoarthritis.