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DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1079921
The correlation between ultrasonographic aspects and functional parameters in patients with secondary knee osteoarthritis
In our prospective study, we assessed the presence of synovitis or joint effusion in patients with painful secondary knee osteoarthritis (KOA) at ultrasonography exam and evaluate the correlation between these sonographic aspects and functional parameters, before and after rehabilitation program. We took into consideration that synovitis and joint effusion are secondary phenomena in OA as a consequence of condrolysis.
Twenty-four patients (12 women, 12 men), aged between 36–52 years, were evaluated clinical, functional and imagistic (X – rays and ultrasonography). All subjects had posttraumatic status before osteoarthritis diagnosis. We used VAS scale for pain and WOMAC index for functional status. Our patients performed a complex rehabilitation program, 2 weeks. Eight patients received intra articular injection of hyaluronic acid. Patients were evaluated at baseline (T1) and at 2 (T2) and 8 (T3) weeks.
The studied parameters had a good evolution, especially in T2 moment. The acid hyaluronic treated subjects had a statistic significantly improvement for the clinical and sonographic studied parameters. Multivariate analysis showed that sonographic aspects (synovitis and joint effusion) correlated statistically with VAS score and WOMAC index.
Our results confirm the favorable complex effect (clinical, functional and sonographic) of rehabilitation performed in the patients with painful secondary KOA. The functional status is correlated with sonographic aspects (synovial sac thickness). The knee ultrasound exam represents an objective monitoring of therapeutic response, OA clinical and functional status.