[Chondroprotector transdermal magnetophoresis for osteoarthritis of the knee]

Treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) is a relevant problem of rheumatology. Despite a significant number of medical approaches and the creation of new drugs, the effectiveness of treatment remains unsatisfactory, which necessitates the creation of complex treatment programs. Pulse low-frequency magnetotherapy is a modern method that makes it possible to potentiate the therapeutic effects of chondroprotectors for transdermal administration using magnetophoresis technology.

To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of combination therapy using chondroprotective magnetophoresis using 'running' pulsed magnetic field (RPMF) and application of chondroxide (transdermal gel form) in patients with knee OA.

A randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial included 65 patients with grade II - III knee OA according to the Kellgren-Lwrence classification. The 1st group included 25 patients who received local therapy - chondroxide magnetophoresis using RPMF (20 mT, frequency 6.25 Hz, exposure time 20 min, No. 12); in the 2nd group - 20 patients who underwent placebo-magnetotherapy of chondroxide; in the 3rd group - 20 patients who used RPMF without local chondroprotective therapy. We used VAS, WOMAC scales, EQ-5D questionnaire, OMERACT-OARSI criterion in order to analyze the results.

A pronounced analgesic effect of the treatment was registered (according to the VAS and WOMAC scales) in patients receiving magnetotherapy (p<0.01). A significant improvement in functional parameters (according to WOMAC) was noted, more pronounced in patients who used chondroxide magnetophoresis (p<0.001). During the course of treatment, a positive effect of magnetotherapy on the indicators of quality of life (according to EQ-5D) was registered. A high percentage of response (68.1%) to therapy using magnetophoresis of the transdermal form of chondroxide (according to OMERACT-OARSI) was demonstrated. No adverse reactions were registered during treatment.

The use of the local therapy method in the form of magnetophoresis of the transdermal form of the chondroxide is an effective and safe treatment technology that improves the functional state and quality of life of patients with OA of the knee joint.