%0 Journal Article
%T Management of chronic hemophilic synovitis in children by phonophoresis
%A Saraf S
%A Singh O
%J Indian Journal of Orthopaedics
%D 2005
%I Medknow Publications
%X Background: Physical cascades in hemophilia like hemarthrosis and its sequelae like chronic synovitis can be managed better by repeated factor transfusions or radiotherapy or injectable rifampicin, however, the non-availability and high cost of these modalities of therapy prompted us to look into other innovative methods, which could be effective and economical. Methods: Drug induced pulse ultrasound therapy (phonophoresis) using Betamethasone ointment was used in patients of chronic hemophilic synovitis on alternate day for an average duration of six minutes. Ten to 15 such sittings were given during the course of treatment. The objective parameters for the evaluation of results included changes in the degree of swelling, range of movements, frequency of joint bleed and joint tenderness. Subjective assessment was the grading of response by the patient viz. significant, moderate or poor. Results: The study included 21 patients of synovitis knee (24 knees) in children of 6-15 yrs. As per Caviglia classification, four knees were graded gr. I, thirteen as gr. II and seven as gr. III. There was significant reduction in the joint swelling. The range of movements also increased satisfactorily with decrease in the frequency of joint bleed in the follow up. Results were adjudged as good in nine, fair in nine and poor in six; response being better in grade I and grade II. Conclusion: Low dose pulse ultrasound does not produce heat, rather changes permeability of membrane, and reduces pain and hematoma. The introduction of local steroidal drug with ultrasound further helps in the colloidochemical action. Phonophoresis relies on perturbation of the tissues encouraging absorption of the drug. Phonophoresis using betamethasone showed significantly good results in short term follow up in chronic hemophilic synovitis of knee. This modality of treatment can be valuable in developing countries where factor replacement is a problem and other modalities of management sparsely available.
%K Hemophilia synovitis
%K phonophoresis.
%U http://www.ijoonline.com/article.asp?issn=0019-5413;year=2005;volume=39;issue=1;spage=47;epage=51;aulast=Saraf