What is knee osteoarthritis / gonarthrosis?
Knee osteoarthritis is a chronic joint disease that can affect articular cartilage, subchondral bone, synovium, and surrounding muscle-tendon structures. Pain, stiffness, difficulty climbing stairs, decreased walking capacity, and periodic swelling may occur. The radiological level of calcification does not always correlate directly with pain severity.
How can laser help?
The effects of HILT and photobiomodulation on analgesic effect, local inflammatory response, microcirculation, and periarticular tissue metabolism have been investigated. The clinical goal is to reduce pain and support movement, exercise, and walking tolerance. It should not be claimed that laser definitively regenerates cartilage or eliminates osteoarthritis.
The role of 980 nm
It can be considered as the primary wavelength for peri-knee muscle-tendon and periarticular targets. In the HILT literature, 980 nm or nearby NIR wavelengths have been frequently used.
The role of 1470 nm
1470 nm exhibits a more superficial thermal effect. It can be considered not as a routine primary wavelength in knee osteoarthritis, but as a selective adjunctive option for superficial tendon, bursa, or periarticular targets with regard to skin safety.
What does the scientific evidence say?
Level of evidence: A. Clinical data at the systematic review and meta-analysis level exists for HILT in knee osteoarthritis. Studies have reported improvements in pain, stiffness, and certain functional measures in the short term. However, heterogeneity exists among dosages, devices, and accompanying exercise programs.
Is laser sufficient on its own?
In most cases, no. Quadriceps and hip strength, weight and metabolic load, walking capacity, joint range of motion, and daily activity are managed together. When necessary, medical or interventional pain options are also evaluated.
Our approach in our Bodrum clinic
Our approach in our Bodrum clinic is to differentiate the components of knee pain originating from osteoarthritis, meniscus, the patellofemoral region, tendon, or bursa, and to plan 980 nm laser in appropriate patients as an adjunctive method supporting exercise and load management. 1470 nm is used only for selected superficial targets.
When is a different evaluation required first?
In the presence of a warm, red, swollen joint, fever, inability to bear weight after trauma, locking, or sudden large effusion, the cause must be investigated first.
Frequently asked questions
Does knee osteoarthritis go away with laser?
Laser can support pain, stiffness, and function in some patients; it cannot be said to eliminate osteoarthritis or definitively regenerate cartilage.
980 nm or 1470 nm?
In knee osteoarthritis, 980 nm is a more suitable primary wavelength. 1470 nm may be a selective adjunctive option for superficial periarticular targets.
References
- Meta-analysis of HILT in knee osteoarthritis
- HILT umbrella review
- Current review of HILT in the musculoskeletal system
- 980/1470 nm physics comparison
Information
This content is for general health informational purposes.
