Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy as Regenerative Medicine in Knee Osteoarthritis: Pre-Experiment for Matrix Metalloproteinase-3 Evaluation

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is currently treated by regenerative therapies that aim to inhibit arthritic degeneration. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is one of the physical regenerative approaches used for KOA management. However, little is known regarding the impact of shock wave treatment on matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), which is one of the enzymes mediating cartilage degradation. Objectives: To evaluate the effect of ESWT on MMP-3 levels and pain intensity in patients with KOA. Methods: Fourteen patients diagnosed with Kellgren Lawrence, grades 2 and 3 KOA were recruited for the study. ESWT piezo shockwave was applied once a week for six weeks. MMP-3 levels in the blood were measured pre-test, mid-test (three weeks after therapy) and post-test (one week after the last session) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The perceived pain was recorded at each session by the Wong Becker Face Scale. Results: The median pre-test, mid-test and post-test MMP-3 levels were 19.92 ng/mL, 15.89 ng/mL and 18.82 ng/mL, respectively, and there were significant differences between the pre-test and mid-test, and the pre-test and post-test values (p < 0.05). The pain scores also decreased significantly over the period of intervention. Conclusion: MMP-3 levels decreased significantly in KOA patients after ESWT, and the decline was most obvious after 3 weeks of therapy. Therefore, EWST should be considered as a suitable treatment option for KOA.