Evaluation of treatment parameters for focused-extracorporeal shock wave therapy in knee osteoarthritis patients with bone marrow lesions: a pilot study

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of different dosage parameters of focused -extracorporeal shock wave therapy on pain and physical function in knee osteoarthritis patients with bone marrow lesions. In addition, to investigate pathophysiological changes based on imaging and biomarker measures. Methods: Using a single -case experimental design, a total of 12 participants were randomly allocated in 4 equal groups of 3 to receive different dosages of focused -extracorporeal shock wave therapy. Each group received either 4 or 6 sessions of 1500 or 3000 shocks over 4 or 6 weekly sessions. Participants underwent repeated measurements during the baseline, intervention, and post -intervention phases for Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score, aggregated locomotor function score and pressure pain threshold. Imaging and inflammatory biomarker outcomes were measured at baseline and 3 months following the intervention. Results: The group receiving the highest dosage of focused -extracorporeal shock wave therapy showed clinical improvements superior to those of participants in the other 3 groups. Statistically significant changes during the follow-up phase in contrast to baseline measurements for the WOMAC score (Tau -U= -0.88, p < 0.001), aggregated locomotor function score (Tau -U= -0.77, p = 0.002), and pressure pain threshold (Tau -U= 0.54, p = 0.03) were observed. Bone marrow lesion and inflammatory cytokines demonstrated no change. Conclusion: A dose -dependent effect for focused extracorporeal shock wave therapy on osteoarthritis related symptoms was suggested. However, these improvements were not associated with changes in the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.