Pulsed electromagnetic fields for the treatment of symptomatic patellofemoral cartilage lesions of the knee

Abstract

Articular cartilage injury in patellofemoral joint presents a clinical challenge and has been identified as a cause of pain, dysfunction and progressive joint degeneration. Any concomitant pathology such as objective or potential patellar instability, muscular dysfunction and biomechanical disorders of the foot and hip can act as a cause of patellofemoral pain syndrome and they should be investigated and addressed when necessary. Cartilage has a poor intrinsic healing potential. Therefore, when left untreated cartilage lesions can progress and lead to chondromalacia and early osteoarthritis (OA). Research today is moving toward preventive interventions and cost-effective treatments in order to find a way to improve clinical outcomes and retard the progression of OA thereby delaying the need for total joint replacement. Recently, the use of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) has received attention for the treatment of osteoarthritis and symptomatic focal cartilage lesions of the knee. In vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that PEMFs have the ability to influence cartilage metabolism through pro-anabolic and anti-catabolic activities. Clinical studies demonstrated the efficacy of PEMFs in patients presenting with symptomatic knee cartilage lesions. Hereby we present our results in active patients presenting with symptomatic cartilage lesions involving the patellofemoral joint, treated with biophysical treatment with PEMFs.