Comparison between the efficacy of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and intra-articular hylan G-F 20

Comparison of the therapeutic efficacy of TENS versus intra-articular hyaluronic acid injection in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a prospective randomized study.

Article specifications

This clinical trial was published in 2006 in Journal of Adv Ther. (IF 2016:2.709) by Turkish specialists. The purpose of this study was to assess and compare the efficacy of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and intra-articular hylan G-F 20 (Synvisc; Genzyme Corporation, Ridgefield, NJ) in patients with symptomatic knee OA. A total of 60 patients with primary knee OA were randomized into 2 treatment groups. TENS was applied for 3 weeks in the first group, and in the second group, hylan G-F 20 was injected intra-articularly once a week for 3 weeks. Patients were then followed for 6 months.

 

Result

WOMAC pain scores were improved at the first control visit in the TENS group and in the viscosupplementation group; this improvement was statistically significant. Physical function scores and SF-36 total scores did not change in either group after treatment. Pain relief was observed at the first month and continued throughout the 6-month follow-up period in both groups. Stiffness decreased by the sixth month in both groups. Improvement in WOMAC physical function scores was greater in the intra-articular hylan group than in the TENS group at the end of follow-up; however, quality of life was not improved in either group. These therapies used in combination may alleviate symptoms in patients with OA.