The meta-analysis of the studies with low mean power did not favour SWD treatment for pain reduction, while the results of studies employing some thermal effect click here were significant. No treatment effect on functional performance measures was determined.
Conclusion: This meta-analysis found small, significant effects on pain and muscle performance only when SWD evoked a local thermal sensation. However, the variability in the treatment protocols makes it difficult to draw definitive conclusions
about the factors determining the effectiveness of SWD treatment. More research (using comparable protocols and outcome measurements) is needed to evaluate possible long-term effects of thermal SWD treatment and its cost effectiveness in patients with KOA. (c) 2012 Osteoarthritis Research Society International.
Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“A new glycoside compound (1) was isolated from the starfish Asteria amurensis Lutken. The structure for compound 1 was identified as 1-O–D-quinovopyranosyl-(1-2)–D-fucopyranosyl-(1-4)-[-D-fucopyranosyl(1-2)] for hip and knee total joint arthroplasty (TJA).
Methods: Focus groups were conducted, stratified by history of a previous TJA, in English-speaking men and women aged 40+ years with moderate to severe hip and knee osteoarthritis. Participants discussed: their appropriateness for TJA; the ideal candidate; patients’ role in TJA decision making; and the relationship between appropriateness and willingness
to consider TJA. Participants self-completed a questionnaire assessing demographics, arthritis severity (Western Ontario McMaster University Osteoarthritis index – WOMAC), perceived TJA candidacy and willingness to consider TJA. Focus groups were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim. Content analysis was performed.
Results: Eleven focus groups were conducted with 58 participants in total: mean age 72 years; 79% female; 25 (43%) with prior TJA; mean WOMAC summary score 43.1. Half reported willingness to consider TJA and 43% felt they were appropriate for TJA. Appropriateness was equated with candidacy for the procedure. Pain intensity and the ability to cope with pain were identified as the most important factors determining surgical candidacy, but felt to be inadequately evaluated by physicians. TJA appropriateness and willingness were felt to be distinct, yet related, concepts; those unwilling had stricter criteria about candidacy than those who were willing.
Conclusions: Participants equated appropriateness for TJA with surgical candidacy.