Comparison of the Therapeutic Effects of Intra-Articular Injection of Ozone and Corticosteroid in Knee Osteoarthritis.

Abstract

Objectives: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a chronic condition that gradually reduces functional capacity and limits daily activities. Treatment methods in the early stages of the disease are still under discussion. The efficacy of ozone therapy versus corticosteroid injection in treating KOA is examined in this study.

Methods: This randomized clinical trial involved 60 patients aged 40-85 years who had been experiencing knee pain for at least 6 months and had received a clinical diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis through radiologic imaging. The patients were randomly assigned to two groups. One group received an intra-articular injection of 10 mL 15 µg/ml ozone for three sessions with a one-week interval, while the second group received a 1 mL intra-articular injection of betamethasone. All patients were evaluated before treatment, as well as 4 and 12 weeks after the first dose of treatment. The study evaluated treatment efficacy using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC).

Results: The study participants had a mean age of 62.2±10 years, and 90% of them were female. Upon comparing the VAS and WOMAC scores with their respective pretreatment scores, both groups showed significant decreases at week 4 and week 12. Notably, the ozone group exhibited a significantly greater improvement in VAS and WOMAC scores at week 4.

Conclusion: Intra-articular ozone injections have a rapid effect and provide better short-term results for KOA. In later periods, it has a similar effect to corticosteroids.