Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Musculoskeletal Disorder

Background: Osteoarthritis of the knee is reported to be a major health problem worldwide that affects the quality of life. Dexamethasone decreases joint inflammation and joint tissue degradation. There is advantage of drug delivery through the skin to avoid adverse effect that may accompanied with other methods either orally or through intra-articular injection Purpose: This study was conducted to determine the effect of dexamethasone phonophoresis on knee osteoarthritis. Methods: Forty four female patients with bilateral knee osteoarthritis participated in this study. The patients were randomly assigned into two equal groups. Group A (study group) received dexamethasone phonophoresis over medial side of knee joint, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and quadriceps strengthening exercise. Group B (control group) received ultrasound therapy, TENS and the same exercise program. The treatment sessions were conducted three times per week every other day for four successive weeks. All subjects assessed for pain using visual analogue scale (VAS) and for functional mobility using Arabic translated form of Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and timed up and go test (TUG) before and after treatment. Results: VAS, total WOMAC, WOMAC subscales, TUG parameters improved with both modalities. Post treatment results revealed that there was a significantly superior improvement in pain intensity and functional mobility in the phonophoresis group. Conclusion: Dexamethasone phonophoresis and ultrasound therapy are significantly effective in treating knee osteoarthritis with superiority of dexamethasone phonophoresis

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