title: Symptomatic Early Osteoarthritis of the Knee Treated With Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields: Two-Year Follow-up.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In vitro and in vivo studies have proven a pro-anabolic and anti-catabolic activity within cartilage with the use of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs). This has piqued interest of sports physicians for its use in the treatment of early osteoarthritis (OA). The aim was to determine if the use of PEMFs in patients with early OA of the knee would lead to an improved clinical outcome.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective case series.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-two patients aged between 30 and 60 years who underwent treatment with PEMFs (4-hour treatment per day, duration 45 days) were included. All patients presented with symptomatic early OA with grade 0-2 changes (Kellgren-Lawrence classification) at the pretreatment evaluation. Patients were evaluated before treatment, at 1- and 2-year follow-up using visual analogue scale for pain, International Knee Documentation Committee objective, Tegner, and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A significant improvement in all scores was observed at 1-year follow-up (P = 0.008). At 2-year follow-up, results deteriorated but were still superior to pretreatment levels (P = 0.02). No adverse reactions or side effects were seen.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study showed that the use of PEMFs in patients with symptomatic early OA of the knee led to significant improvement in symptoms, knee function, and activity at 1-year follow-up. There was a significant decline in all the scores at 2-year follow-up.
authors.affiliation: O.A.S.I. Bioresearch Foundation, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Alberto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gobbi
authors.affiliation: O.A.S.I. Bioresearch Foundation, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Dnyanesh
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lad
authors.affiliation: O.A.S.I. Bioresearch Foundation, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Massimo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Petrera
authors.affiliation: O.A.S.I. Bioresearch Foundation, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Georgios
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Karnatzikos
keywords: cartilage; early osteoarthritis; knee; pulsed electromagnetic fields