Efficacy of Magnetotherapy in Hand Erosive Osteoarthritis.

Efficacy of Magnetotherapy in Hand Erosive Osteoarthritis. A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Erosive arthritis (EA) is an unusual pathology. There is no definitive treatment and the conventional one has little efficacy. Despite using magnetotherapy (MGT) as a treatment, there is no evidence supporting its use.

The aim of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of MGT in patients suffering from hand EA, compared to placebo, in terms of pain (assessed by Visual Analog Scale (VAS)) and functionality (assessed by The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score) during the treatment and after a 3-months period. Secondarily, rigidity (Modified Kapandji Index), grip strength (JAMAR dynamometry) and quality of life (SF-36 questionnaire) were assessed. Treatment safety will also be evaluated.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients of both sexes older than 18 years with symptomatic hand erosive osteoarthritis for more than 6 months.
• Patients receiving treatment or not for their hand pathology.
• Patients suffering from hand chronic pain due to their pathology and scoring VAS equal or greater than 4/10.
• Patients who voluntarily signed the informed consent and agree to participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnancy
• Patients with pacemaker or similar devices
• Pacients with cognitive dysfunction.
• Patients with psychiatric pathologies unable to comply with the treatment and follow-up
• Patients with active oncological and / or infectious pathology
• Patients with previous magnetotherapy or paraffin treatment in the last year