Osteoarthritis

FDA Cleared for Osteoarthritis of the Hand.

The Effects of Low Level Laser Therapy on Osteoarthritis (OA) of the Hand

A Clinical Study Dr Larry Lytle, DDS, Ph.D. and Dr. Serafettin Ozdogan, MD

ABSTRACT

Objective: The objective of this placebo controlled, randomized, double blind, parallel group designed clinical study was to determine the effectiveness and feasibility of over-the-counter (OTC) use of the Q Laser System, made up of the Q1000 low level laser, a multiple diode device and the 660 nm enhancer laser probe, in providing temporary relief of pain and stiffness arising from osteoarthritis of the hand, when the treatment is administered by an individual in his or her own home.

Background: Studies have shown that low level laser therapy is beneficial for treating the pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis when treated in medical offices 6,7,8,9,10,but there are few studies demonstrating the relief of osteoarthritis symptoms using low level laser therapy when the individual treats themselves at home.

Methods and Materials To qualify for the study subjects had to be diagnosed with osteoarthritis of one hand by criteria set by the American College of Rheumatology. Ninety one subjects, forty six in a placebo group and forty five in an active laser group treated themselves five times every other day for 10 days for one minute each on selected proprioceptive points using the multiple diode instrument and for 30 seconds on selected acupoints and direct on the affected joints using a single diode instrument. The laser system utilized (Q Laser System manufactured by 2035 Inc) was composed of two instruments, one, a hand held DC powered laser containing eight LEDs and twelve 5 mW laser diodes arranged to form 6 direct soliton waves and 32 indirect soliton waves, emitting 2.5 J/cm² of energy to an area 1.0322 cm2 covering an area of 45.7 mm in diameter. The other instrument used was a single diode 50 mW continuous beam enhancer probe operated at 35 mW emitting 2.16 J/cm² to an area 0.2826 cm2 covering an area of 6 mm in diameter.

Results: ROM evaluations demonstrated 87% improvement in range of motion over the placebo group and 87% of the subjects reported at least a 30% improvement in pain as measured by the VAS scale by the end of active treatment at day 10 with continuing latent benefits of reduction of pain and improvement of range of motion at days 21 and 32. The placebo group used twice as much Tylenol, the rescue pain medication designated for this study, as did the laser treated group and 81% of the treated group were satisfied with the laser system and 95% of all subjects stated the operations and instruction manual was easy to follow and they were very confident they followed the treatment protocol.

Conclusion: Based on the results of this study it can be concluded that the protocol used with this combination of low level lasers provided substantial relief of osteoarthritis symptoms when used by the patient in their own home and the instruments were easy to use.

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