Evaluation of the effects of dexamethasone iontophoresis, galvanic current, and conservative treatment on pain and disability in patients with knee osteoarthritis and Baker’s cyst

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of galvanic current and dexamethasone iontophoresis in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis and Baker’s cyst (BC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective, randomized, controlled, single-blind study included 37 patients (9 males, 28 females; mean age: 57.8+10.3 years; range 40 to 75 years) with knee osteoarthritis and BC, between January and August 2020. The patients were randomized into three groups: the iontophoresis group (n=13), the galvanic current group (n=11), and the control group (n=13). The numerical rating scale (NRS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores and ultrasonographic measurements of BC were recorded at baseline, two weeks, and six weeks. All groups received the same physiotherapy program. Dexamethasone iontophoresis and galvanic current therapy were administered to the patients in the iontophoresis and galvanic current groups, respectively, with a galvanic current at an intensity of 0.1-0.2 mA/cm2 for 10 days. RESULTS: There was no significant dissimilarity in demographic and clinical characteristics, basal NRS (resting and exercise) and WOMAC scores, and basal cyst volumes between groups. A significant temporal change was found in three groups for resting NRS, exercise NRS, and WOMAC scores and cyst volumes, except for the cyst volume in the control group. There was a notable difference in terms of improvement in cyst volumes between baseline and the second week in the iontophoresis group compared to the galvanic current group (p=0.046). There was a significant improvement in resting NRS and exercise NRS scores between baseline and the second week in the galvanic current group compared to the control group (p=0.015 and p=0.002, respectively). Additionally, a significant improvement was observed in resting NRS and exercise NRS scores between baseline and the second week in the iontophoresis group compared to the control group (p=0.009 and p=0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: A significant clinical and functional improvement was detected with dexamethasone iontophoresis in the treatment of patients with knee osteoarthritis and BC.