Ultrasound-Guided Pes Anserine Bursitis Injection Choices: Prolotherapy or Oxygen-Ozone or Corticosteroid: A Randomized Multicenter Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Pes anserine bursitis is the most common cause of periarticular knee pain. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of local injection-based therapies with different materials. DESIGN: The enrolled patients were randomly allocated to three groups to receive different interventions. Outcome measures included pain severity using the visual analog scale and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index that was evaluated before the intervention, 1 and 8 wks after that. RESULTS: This trial was performed on 72 participants, with male-to-female ratio of 0.14 and with a mean age of 61.49 ± 9.35 yrs. Corticosteroids in the first group, oxygen-ozone in the second group, and dextrose 20% in the third group, were injected into the pes anserine bursa under ultrasound guidance. Interaction between time and group showed a statistically significant improvement in visual analog scale and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index ( P ≤ 0.05) in favor of corticosteroids and oxygen-ozone groups after 1 wk and in favor of oxygen-ozone and prolotherapy groups after 8 wks. CONCLUSIONS: All three treatment options are effective for patients with pes anserine bursitis. This study showed that the effects of oxygen-ozone injection and prolotherapy last longer than those of corticosteroid injection.

Ultrasound-guided 5% dextrose prolotherapy versus corticosteroid injection in carpal tunnel syndrome: a randomized, controlled clinical trial.

Aim: The main assessment of this study is to analyze the efficiency of ultrasound-guided dextrose prolotherapy against corticosteroid injections for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. Materials & methods: A total of 54 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome were included. Patients who were assigned into the prolotherapy group were injected with 5cc 5% dextrose water under ultrasound guidance. Patients in the corticosteroid group received ultrasound-guided 1 ml triamcinolone 40 mg/ml injection. Results: The inter-group analysis revealed that dextrose prolotherapy has a similar efficacy as corticosteroid for improving pain intensity, functional limitation in daily life, electrophysiologic parameters and ultrasonographic outcomes. No remarkable difference was found between the two treatments until 3 months of follow-up. Conclusion: Dextrose 5% has similar efficacy as triamcinolone for improving pain intensity, functional limitation in daily life, electrophysiologic parameters and ultrasonographic outcomes.

Comparison of efficacy of corticosteroid injection versus extracorporeal shock wave therapy on inferior trigger points in the quadratus lumborum muscle: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we aimed to compare the efficacy of corticosteroid trigger point injection (TPI) versus extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on inferior trigger points in the quadratus lumborum (QL) muscle. METHODS: In this single-blind randomized clinical trial, 54 low back pain patients with myofascial trigger points on QL muscle were investigated. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups with A and B pockets. Patients in group A underwent radial ESWT and received 5 treatment sessions (1 per week) and actually were not followed-up. However, patients in group B received corticosteroid TPI and received one session of corticosteroid treatment and followed-up for 4 weeks after injection. Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), visual analogue scale (VAS), pain pressure threshold (PPT) and short form (36) health survey (SF-36) were measured in both groups before, two weeks after and four weeks after intervention. RESULTS: The between group comparison indicated that corticosteroid TPI leaded to significant higher improvements of ODI (P-value< 0.01), VAS (P value< 0.001), and PPT (P-value = 0.001) scores compared to the ESWT group at two-week follow-up time-point. ESWT group recorded significant higher improvement of ODI (P-value< 0.01) and SF-36 (P-value< 0.001) compared to the corticosteroid TPI at 4th week post treatment evaluation. At four-week follow-up time-point, the patients in the ESWT group were 1.46 times more likely to achieve 30% reduction in VAS, 2.67 times more likely to achieve 30% reduction in ODI, and 2.30 times more likely to achieve 20% improvement in SF-36 compared to the participants in corticosteroid TPI group. These results refer to large effect size for all study outcomes in ESWT group (d = 4.72, d = 1.58, d = 5.48, and d = 7.47 for ODI, PPT, SF-36, and VAS, respectively). CONCLUSION: Corticosteroid TPI was more effective compared to ESWT in short-term controlling of pain and disability caused by myofascial pain syndrome of QL muscle. However, after 4 weeks treatment, ESWT further improved the quality of life and disability and was related with more probability of achievement the minimal clinically important difference concerning pain, disability and quality of life and large effect size for all study outcomes in treated patients compared to corticosteroid TPI. TRIAL REGISTRATION: www.irct.ir , IRCT20100827004641N14 , retrospectively registered 2019-01-19.

Comparison of Ultrasound-Guided Local Ozone (O2-O3) Injection vs Corticosteroid Injection in the Treatment of Chronic Plantar Fasciitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Plantar fasciitis (PF) is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The affected area is often close to the attachment of plantar fascia to calcaneus bone. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of ozone (O2-O3) injection to corticosteroid injection under ultrasound guidance for the treatment of chronic PF. DESIGN: Randomized clinical trial. SETTING: Academic University and Neuromusculoskeletal Research Center. SUBJECTS: Thirty patients with chronic PF. METHODS: The patients were randomly divided into two groups receiving methylprednisolone (15 subjects) vs ozone (O2-O3; 15 subjects). The following outcome measures were assessed before injection and then two weeks and 12 weeks after the injection in each group; morning and daily pain via visual analog scale, daily life and exercise activities via the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure, and plantar fascia thickness at insertion and 1 cm distal to its insertion into the calcaneus via ultrasound imaging. RESULTS: Intragroup changes showed significant improvement in pain, functional parameters, and sonographic findings in both groups (P < 0.05). Pain reduction (both daily and morning) and daily activity improvement were better in the corticosteroid group two weeks after injection; however, at 12 weeks, the ozone (O2-O3) group had significantly more improvement (P = 0.003, P = 0.001, and P = 0.017, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Both methods were effective in the treatment of chronic PF. Steroid injection provided a more rapid and short-term therapeutic effect. However, ozone (O2-O3) injection led to a slow and longer-lasting treatment outcome. Ozone (O2-O3) injection can be an effective treatment, with slow onset and a longer durability in the treatment of chronic PF.

Combination of Exercise and Acupuncture Versus Acupuncture Alone for Treatment of Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a common musculoskeletal disorder. This study was designed to compare the effects of aerobic exercise plus acupuncture with acupuncture alone in treatment of patients with MPS. Sixty-four patients (55 female and 9 male) with MPS in their neck and shoulders participated in the study with mean age of 33.1 ± 6.4 years. Participants were randomly allocated to aerobic exercise plus acupuncture (n = 32) or acupuncture alone (n = 32) groups. Outcome measurements included visual analog scale, pressure pain threshold, neck disability index, and quality of life that was measured with QoL-SF36 scale. Each group received 10 sessions of acupuncture in combination with aerobic exercise or acupuncture alone. The outcome measures were evaluated at baseline, at the end of the last treatment session, and at 1-month follow-up visit. While participants were waiting for their 1-month follow-up visit, the patients who received combination therapy were asked to continue their aerobic exercise by jogging 40 minutes a day. Although mean visual analog scale, pressure pain threshold, neck disability index, and QoL-SF36 were significantly improved in both groups (p < 0.001), there was no statistically significant difference among the measures between the two groups throughout the evaluated sessions. The interaction effect of time and groups did not show any significant difference among the outcome measures (p > 0.29).

Effectiveness of Lavendula stoechas essential oil in treatment of mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome: A randomized controlled trial.

STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. INTRODUCTION: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment neuropathy of the upper extremity. To date, no previous study has evaluated the efficacy of topical Lavendula stoechas (Lavender) oil in CTS patients. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: To investigate the effectiveness of topical Lavender essential oil in pain intensity, isometric pinch strength, electrophysiological features, and functional status of patients with mild to moderate CTS. METHODS: Forty eight patients with mild to moderate CTS were enrolled in this randomized placebo-controlled trial. Group A was treated with night wrist orthotic and topical lavender oil ointment. Group B was treated with night wrist orthotic and a placebo ointment. Patients were evaluated at baseline, and after 40 days of intervention with Boston CTS questionnaire (BCTQ), visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, pinch grip strength, power grip, median compound motor action potential latency, and median sensory nerve action potential latency. RESULTS: At the end of the study period, both groups improved significantly in terms of BCTQ, VAS, isometric pinch powers, and electrodiagnosis study parameters. However, group A showed significantly greater improvements in BCTQ (mean difference, 0.39 ± 0.31 vs 0.6 ± 0.35; P = .03), VAS (3.37 ± 1.86 vs 1.33 ± 2.07; P = .001), and pinch grip strength (0.73 ± 0.63 vs 0.27 ± 0.54; P = .01) than group B. No significant differences in power grip, median compound motor action potential latency, and median sensory nerve action potential latency were seen between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: This study was the first trial of topical lavender oil used in patients with CTS. Wrist orthotic combined with topical lavender oil was more effective than orthotic and placebo in treatment of mild to moderate CTS. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 1b.

Dry needling in patients with chronic heel pain due to plantar fasciitis: A single-blinded randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: This study examined the effects of dry needling on chronic heel pain due to plantar fasciitis. METHODS: During this single-blinded clinical trial, 20 eligible patients were randomized into two groups: A case group treated with dry needling and a control group. Patients' plantar pain severity, (using modified visual analog scale [VAS] scoring system), range of motion of ankle joint in dorsiflexion [ROMDF] and plantar extension[ROMPE] and foot function index (using standard questionnaires of SEM5 and MDC7) were assessed at baseline, four weeks after intervention and four weeks after withdrawing treatment. Independent sample t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, paired t-test, Wilcoxon signed rank tests, and chi square test were used for data analysis. RESULTS: The mean VAS scores in the case group was significantly lower than the control group after four weeks of intervention (p<0.001). Comparison of the ROMDF and ROMPE did not reveal any significant changes after four weeks of intervention in the case and control groups (p=0.7 and p=0.65, respectively). The mean of MDC7 and SEM5 scores in the case group were significantly lower than the control group following four weeks of intervention (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Despite the insignificant effect on ROMDF and ROMPE, trigger point dry needling, by improving the severity of heel pain, can be used as a good alternative option before proceeding to more invasive therapies of plantar fasciitis.

Efficacy of action potential simulation and interferential therapy in the rehabilitation of patients with knee osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is the main cause of pain, physical impairment and chronic disability in older people. Electrotherapeutic modalities such as interferential therapy (IFT) and action potential simulation (APS) are used for the treatment of knee OA. In this study, we aim to evaluate the therapeutic effects of APS and IFT on knee OA. METHODS: In this randomized clinical trial, 67 patients (94% female and 6% male with mean age of 52.80 ± 8.16 years) with mild and moderate knee OA were randomly assigned to be treated with APS (n = 34) or IFT (n = 33) for 10 sessions in 4 weeks. Baseline and post-treatment Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) subscales, visual analogue scale (VAS) and timed up and go (TUG) test were measured in all patients. RESULTS: VAS and WOMAC subscales were significantly improved after treatment in APS and IFT groups (p < 0.001 for all). TUG was also significantly improved after treatment in APS group (p < 0.001), but TUG changes in IFT was not significant (p = 0.09). There was no significant difference in VAS, TUG and WOMAC subscales values before and after treatment as well as the mean improvement in VAS, TUG and WOMAC subscales during study between groups. CONCLUSION: Short-term treatment with both APS and IFT could significantly reduce pain and improve physical function in patients with knee OA.

Effects of low-level laser therapy in combination with physiotherapy in the management of rotator cuff tendinitis.

Rotator cuff tendinitis is one of the main causes of shoulder pain. The objective of this study was to evaluate the possible additive effects of low-power laser treatment in combination with conventional physiotherapy endeavors in these patients. A total of 50 patients who were referred to the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinic with shoulder pain and rotator cuff disorders were selected. Pain severity measured with visual analogue scale (VAS), abduction, and external rotation range of motion in shoulder joint was measured by goniometry, and evaluation of daily functional abilities of patients was measured by shoulder disability questionnaire. Twenty-five of the above patients were randomly assigned into the control group and received only routine physiotherapy. The other 25 patients were assigned into the experimental group and received conventional therapy plus low-level laser therapy (4 J/cm(2) at each point over a maximum of ten painful points of shoulder region for total 5 min duration). The above measurements were assessed at the end of the third week of therapy in each group and the results were analyzed statistically. In both groups, statistically significant improvement was detected in all outcome measures compared to baseline (p < 0.05). Comparison between two different groups revealed better results for control of pain (reduction in VAS average) and shoulder disability problems in the experimental group versus the control (3.1 ± 2.2 vs. 5 ± 2.6, p = 0.029 and 4.4 ± 3.1 vs. 8.5 ± 5.1, p = 0.031, respectively ) after intervention. Positive objective signs also had better results in the experimental group, but the mean range of active abduction (144.92 ± 31.6 vs. 132.80 ± 31.3) and external rotation (78.0 ± 19.5 vs. 76.3 ± 19.1) had no significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.20 and 0.77, respectively). As one of physical modalities, gallium-arsenide low-power laser combined with conventional physiotherapy has superiority over routine physiotherapy from the view of decreasing pain and improving the patient's function, but no additional advantages were detected in increasing shoulder joint range of motion in comparison to other physical agents.

Effect of E. laciniata (L) ointment on mild and moderate carpal tunnel syndrome: a double-blind, randomized clinical trial.

This paper concerns the effects of methanol extract of Eremostachys laciniata on mild and moderate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). Forty patients, including sixty hands affected by CTS, were randomly categorized in two different groups. Group A and Group B were treated with E. laciniata extract and placebo as the ointment, respectively. Tests, including the palmar prehension (pound), grip power (kg), visual analog scale (VAS) and electrodiagnostic study, were performed on all patients before and after the trial. During the trial, all patients receive Sodium Diclofenac (25 mg twice a day) orally. In addition, they utilized a night wrist splint. After four weeks of treatment, the state of mean palmer prehension in both groups improved yet, the statistics show that group A prevailed by (p = 0.01). Grip power increased in both groups as well, but this increase was not significant within-groups (p = 0.18 and p = 0.54 in group A and B, respectively) or between-groups (p = 0.053). Although the VSA decreased in both groups, group A prevailed again by (p < 0.001). After four weeks, no significant electrodiagnostic change was detected between the two groups. According to this study, the methanol extract of E. laciniata can be effective in treatment of mild and moderate CTS in combination with the wrist night splint, especially in alleviating the severity of the syndrome and increasing the palmer prehension power.