Low Level Laser Therapy in meniscal pathology

Meniscal injuries after osteoarthritis are the second cause of pain in knee joint and one of the most frequent lesions in both athletes and nonathletes

Introduction

Meniscal injuries after osteoarthritis are the second leading cause of pain in knee joint and one of the most frequent lesions in both athletes and nonathletes. In last few decades low level laser is widely used in treatment of damaged tissue, decrease of inflammation or pain of various origin. On the basis of previous evidence one can conclude that LLLT may be useful in meniscal pathology treatments.

Purpose of the study

The purpose of the study was to assess the effectiveness of LLLT in patients with knee pain related to meniscal pathology

Study description

Research was publisched in Lasers in Medical Science in 2012. Original title: “Low-level laser therapy in therapy in meniscal pathology: a double-blinded placebocontrolled trial”

The study covered 64 patients 44 female and 20 male from 35 to 64 years of age with degenerative changes in the single meniscus diagnosed by MRI. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups. 1st group received LLLT twice a week for the first 3 weeks and once a week for the next 3 weeks giving 9 sessions during 6 weeks. LLLT was administrated using GaAs laser: 904 nm wavelenght with 4 diodes with output power 60 mW each. Pulse frequency 2400 Hz for 210s and 700 Hz for 210s with a dosage of about 2,5 J/cm2. The treatment was performed along meniscal line point by point. In placebo group the same procedure was applied. At baseline and after therapy patients were assessed with visual analogue scale (VAS) and Lyshom Knee Scoring System evaluating pain, function and swelling. Additionally the research group was assessed after 6 and 12 months follow-up. Statistical analysis showed significant decrease of pain as well as in Lyshom score comparing to placebo group. At 6 months only 2 patients and after 1 year 5 patients reported a recurrence of pain. Mean values of VAS and Lyshom questionnaire were significantly better in comparision with baseline scores.

Conclusions

The study shows the usefulness of LLLT in patients with small degree meniscal lesions