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Low level laser treatment of chondromalacia patellae

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Summary

A randomized, double blind study of low level laser treatment of chondromalacia of the patella in 40 patients has been undertaken. Chondromalacia was established by arthroscopy and was related to subjective symptoms. Eight treatments were given during five weeks by a physiotherapist with the use of a GAAS pulsed laser, real or sham. Assessment of the location, quality and intensity of pain, and the influence on mood, gait, sleep, work, and sports was made before and after treatment including an eight to twelve week evaluation. No statistical difference was found between real and sham use of low level laser for the symptoms of chondromalacia of the patella.

Résumé

On a réalisé chez 10 malades une étude randomisée, à double insu, du traitement de la chondropathie de la rotule par laser de basse intensité. Le diagnostic avait été confirmé par arthroscopie, en présence d'une symptomatologie subjective. Huit séances de traitement ont été effectuées pendant cinq semaines par un physiothérapeute utilisant un laser alternatif GAAS, réel ou simulé. Une évaluation du siège, du type et de l'intensité de la douleur ainsi que de l'influence de l'humeur, de la marche, du sommeil, du travail et de l'activité sportive a été faite avant et après traitement. Aucune différence statistiquement valable n'a pu être mise en évidence entre l'effet d'un laser réel ou simulé vis à vis des symptômes de la chondropathie rotulienne.

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Rogvi-Hansen, B., Ellitsgaard, N., Funch, M. et al. Low level laser treatment of chondromalacia patellae. International Orthopaedics 15, 359–361 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00186879

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