OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the efficacy of therapeutic pulsed ultrasound on pain, function, synovial sac and femoral cartilage in knee osteoarthritis. DESIGN: Randomized, double-blind, controlled study. SETTING: Dokuz Eylul University, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. SUBJECTS: A total of 96 patients with knee osteoarthritis. INTERVENTIONS: Participants were randomized into two groups; group I (n = 48, pulsed ultrasound) and group II (n = 48, sham ultrasound). The sessions were held three times a week for 8 weeks. The study continued for 12 weeks (with 4 weeks follow-up). All participants performed exercises at home for 12 weeks. MAIN MEASURES: Knee pain (at rest and ADLs) was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS). Functionality was assessed using the Timed Up and Go test and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) questionnaire. Femoral cartilage and synovial sac thickness was measured using ultrasonography. All evaluations were performed at the baseline, at the 8 and 12 weeks after baseline. RESULTS: The study was completed with a total of 75 patients (n = 39 in group I and n = 36 in group II). The mean (SD) pain at ADLs score at baseline and week 12 was 7.2 (2.1), with 3.6 (2.9) in the group I, and 6.7 (2.0) and 4.3 (2.2) in the group II, respectively. Both groups presented significant improvements in terms of pain and function (p < 0.001). There was no difference between groups for any parameters. CONCLUSION: Treatment of pulsed ultrasound has no positive effect on knee pain, function, femoral cartilage and synovial sac thickness in knee osteoarthritis.

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