Effect of High-Intensity Laser Therapy on Femoral Cartilage in Knee Osteoarthritis

The Role of High-intensity Laser Therapy on Femoral Cartilage Thickness in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis

This clinical trial will evaluate the effects of High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) on femoral cartilage thickness and other clinical outcomes in people with knee osteoarthritis. Participants aged 40 to 60 years with grade II or III knee osteoarthritis will be randomly assigned to receive either HILT plus conventional physiotherapy or conventional physiotherapy alone. Both groups will receive 12 treatment sessions on alternate days for 4 weeks. The study will assess changes in cartilage thickness using ultrasound, as well as improvements in pain, knee movement, muscle strength, and daily function. Findings from this research may help improve physiotherapy treatment strategies for patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male and female participants aged 40-60 years.
• Diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence grade II or III).
• Knee pain for at least 3 months.
• Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score ≥ 3.
• Willing to provide written informed consent and comply with treatment and follow-up schedule.

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of knee surgery or traumatic knee injury.
• Inflammatory arthritis (e.g., gout, psoriatic arthritis).
• History of cancer or psychiatric illness.
• Cognitive disorders (e.g., Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease).
• Severe comorbidities limiting exercise (e.g., severe COPD, heart failure, cerebrovascular event).
• Hip or ankle joint disability.
• Intra-articular knee injection within the past 3 months.