Oxygen-ozone therapy for pain relief in patients with trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis: a proof-of-concept study

PURPOSE

Trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis (TMC-OA) is a prevalent hand disorder affecting a growing number of people worldwide. While a multidisciplinary approach might provide additional advantages, the analgesic and anti-inflammatory role of intra-articular oxygen-ozone (O2O3) injections combined with physical therapy is still unknown. To assess the impact of a multimodal therapeutic approach combining O2O3 injections with physical therapy in patients with TMC-OA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective open-label study conducted in the Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Unit of the "Renato Dulbecco" University Hospital of Catanzaro. We assessed patients with TMC-OA who had not responded to standard medical therapy. Participants received O2O3 therapy and targeted physical therapy for 4 weeks. Pain relief, muscle strength, and physical functioning were assessed at baseline and after 4, 12 and 24 weeks (respectively T0, T1, T2, and T3).

RESULTS

Seventeen patients with a mean age of 67.1 ± 6.1 years were included in the study. Short-term improvements in pain intensity were observed (T0: 6.221 ± 1.514; T1: 3.172 ± 1.1451; p < .001) and were maintained over a 24-week follow-up period (T0: 6.221 ± 1.514; T3: 4.393 ± 1.438; p: 0.006). Significant changes were reported also in terms of muscle strength and physical functioning. O2O3 therapy was well-tolerated with no adverse effects.

CONCLUSIONS

A combination of O2O3 injections and physical therapy might be considered in patients with TMC-OA. Further investigation is warranted to assess the effectiveness of O2O3 therapy in managing TMC-OA.

Surgical treatment of trapeziometacarpal joint osteoarthritis

Trapeziometacarpal joint osteoarthritis is a common cause of radial-sided wrist pain that prevalently affects women. It is diagnosed on the basis of a thorough history, physical examination, and radiographic evaluation. While radiographs are used to determine the stage of disease, treatment is dependent on the severity of the symptoms. Non-surgical treatment frequently consists of activity modification, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, splinting and corticosteroid injections. After failure of conservative treatment, various surgical options exist depending on the stage of the disease. These options range from ligament reconstruction or osteotomy, for early painful laxity, to trapeziectomy, arthrodesis and arthroplasty for more severe osteoarthritis. This article reviews the literature supporting the various surgical treatment options and analyzes the surgical techniques most frequently used in the different disease stages.