EFFECTIVENESS OF MANUAL TRACTION OF TIBIO-FEMORAL JOINT ON THE FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME IN KNEE JOINT OSTEOARTHRITIS

The purpose of this experimental study is to analyze the effectiveness of manual traction on the pain, range of movement and the functional outcome in knee joint osteoarthritis. Traction is an oldest form of treatment for deformity correction, fractures and in treating disc prolapse. Very few studies are been performed to explore its effect in peripheral joints but no studies are reported in an experimental design. Totally forty participants were randomized into control and experimental groups. Baseline measurements of pain severity, active knee flexion range, Knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS) were measured. The control group received treatment in the form of pain relief modalities, exercises for muscle contractions and joint mobility. The experimental group received the same and in addition manual traction in high sitting position. All the measurements were taken after two weeks of treatment. There was significant improvement in experimental group compared to control group in terms of pain, subscales of KOOS and moderate improvement in active knee flexion range. This study adds the importance of manual knee traction, which is not commonly practiced for knee joint osteoarthritis. It further establishes traction as a means of stretching shortened, tightened structures without increasing pain severity during and after treatment. Overall the study also showed better improvements in functional outcome and in quality of life