Cryotherapy Effectiveness in Individuals With End Stage Knee Osteoarthritis - a Case Series

Cryotherapy Effectiveness on Pain, Physical Function and Quality of Life in Individuals With End Stage Knee Osteoarthritis - a Case Series

The purpose of this case series will be to provide a detailed description of a standardized short-term cryotherapy application protocol using validated functional outcome measures in individuals with end stage KOA

There are no studies determining the efficacy of cryotherapy in pain, function and quality of life for patients with end stage Knee Osteoarthritis (KOA). This case series describes a standardized treatment program for end stage patients with KOA and outcomes over a 12-week period.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis based on clinical and radiographic criteria of American College of Rheumatology
• Osteoarthritis signals in at least one of the compartments of the knee joint (tibiofemoral and / or the patellofemoral joint)
• Do not perform regular physical activity
• Grade 4 according to the criteria of Kellgren & Lawrence knee osteoarthritis radiographic examination scale.
• Minimum score of 4 cm in Visual Analogue Scale (total 10 cm)
• Body Mass Index less or equal to 40 kg/cm2

Exclusion Criteria:

• Physical therapy within 3 months prior to the research project
• Corticosteroid or Hyaluronic Acid injection in the knee (in the previous 6 months)
• Cardiorespiratory, neurological or other rheumatic dysfunctions associated with the diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis.
• Hip, knee or ankle surgery
• Any other type of chronic condition that can lead to pain.