The role of magnetic resonance imaging in efficacy of low-dose extracorporeal shock wave therapy for patients with knee osteoarthritis

Among many diseases of the joints, most common is osteoarthritis and, in particular, knee osteoarthritis. Current medicine requires new and improved imaging techniques to assess patients with osteoarthritis, which enable early diagnosis, understanding pathophysiology efficacy ongoing treatment. Scientific data on use magnetic resonance (MRI) as an objective method impact shock wave therapy (SWT) restoration damaged cartilage bone marrow was analyzed. A search for publications PEDro PubMed databases period from 2017 2022 performed. The done using following keywords: osteoarthritis/knee therapy, imaging. Five foreign studies were included review a result (no Russian available). Two analyzed effects SWT altered Patients who received oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs selected comparison group. authors assessed quantitative estimates T2 relaxation time (T2 mapping) severity edema MRI images. At 24 weeks after treatment, differences T2-weighted images patella, acetabulum, medial lateral articular surfaces femur tibia showed no statistical significance compared those before treatment (t= 1.859; P= 0.076). In conclusion, suggested that resulting effect due low energy stated research will continue higher parameters. Another study reported statistically significant reduction area subchondral lesion 6 months SWT. addition, found correlation between size improvement pain scores another study, scans documented positive by reducing edema. After one year follow-up, complete regression among number investigated limited, indicating need continued this area.