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Published on: April 26, 2024
The effects of a non-operative multimodal programme on osteoarthritis of the knee
Shelain Patel1, Fahad S Hossain, Bruce Paton
1Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, University College Hospital, London, UK. shelain.patel@doctors.org.uk
Introduction:
The purpose of this study was to determine if a multimodal programme including physiotherapy and education could improve the symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee across various severities of disease.
Patients And Methods:
Seventy-two patients with osteoarthritis of the knee confirmed on radiographic evidence were referred over a 13-month period for a lower limb programme which consisted of 12 classes over 6 weeks of group physiotherapy and included education on osteoarthritis, diet and exercise. Six patients went on to have joint arthroplasty at a mean time of 6.5 months with three placed on the waiting list during follow-up.
Results:
Pre-intervention, the mean WOMAC score was 42.0 and the mean Oxford Knee Score was 32.8. Post-intervention at a mean follow-up of 12 months, the mean WOMAC score was 31.6 and the mean Oxford Knee Score 24.3. The change in scores following intervention was statistically significant (P < 0.01). Using the WOMAC scoring system, the greatest effect size was seen in patients with Kellgren-Lawrence grade IV whilst using the Oxford knee scoring system, the greatest effect size was seen in patients with Kellgren-Lawrence grade II.
Conclusions:
At 12 months, a multimodal programme of non-operative interventions has an excellent impact upon the symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee with improved patient-reported scores. The level of improvement cannot be inferred from the radiographic grade of osteoarthritis. This modality could be considered for all patients with mild-to-moderate osteoarthritis of the knee.
