Oxygen-ozone therapy for pain relief in patients with trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis: a proof-of-concept study

Trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis (TMC-OA) is a prevalent hand disorder affecting a growing number of people worldwide. While a multidisciplinary approach might provide additional advantages, the analgesic and anti-inflammatory role of intra-articular oxygen-ozone (O₂O₃) injections combined with physical therapy is still unknown. To assess the impact of a multimodal therapeutic approach combining O₂O₃ injections with physical therapy in patients with TMC-OA.

A prospective open-label study conducted in the Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Unit of the "Renato Dulbecco" University Hospital of Catanzaro. We assessed patients with TMC-OA who had not responded to standard medical therapy. Participants received O₂O₃ therapy and targeted physical therapy for 4 weeks. Pain relief, muscle strength, and physical functioning were assessed at baseline and after 4, 12 and 24 weeks (respectively T0, T1, T2, and T3).

Seventeen patients with a mean age of 67.1 ± 6.1 years were included in the study. Short-term improvements in pain intensity were observed (T0: 6.221 ± 1.514; T1: 3.172 ± 1.1451; p < .001) and were maintained over a 24-week follow-up period (T0: 6.221 ± 1.514; T3: 4.393 ± 1.438; p: 0.006). Significant changes were reported also in terms of muscle strength and physical functioning. O₂O₃ therapy was well-tolerated with no adverse effects.

A combination of O₂O₃ injections and physical therapy might be considered in patients with TMC-OA. Further investigation is warranted to assess the effectiveness of O₂O₃ therapy in managing TMC-OA.