Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) on acute pain and inflammation in patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty-a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial
by Luciana Gonçalves Langella, Heliodora Leão Casalechi, Shaiane Silva Tomazoni, Douglas Scott Johnson, Regiane Albertini, Rodney Capp Pallotta, Rodrigo Labat Marcos, Paulo de Tarso Camillo de Carvalho, Ernesto Cesar Pinto Leal-Junior
Abstract: Total hip replacement surgery can cause tissue trauma and trigger an inflammatory response as part of the body's natural healing process. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMt), using low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and light-emitting diode therapy (LEDT), has been investigated for its potential to support tissue repair, modulate inflammation, and relieve pain.
This study evaluated the immediate effects of PBMt on pain and inflammation in 18 patients recovering from total hip replacement surgery. Participants were divided into two groups (n = 9 each), receiving either active PBMt or placebo treatment 8–12 hours after surgery.
The treatment used a device combining a 905 nm super-pulsed laser, 875 nm infrared LEDs, and 640 nm red LEDs, delivering 40.3 J per point across five locations along the surgical incision.
Pain intensity was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS), while blood samples were analyzed for inflammatory markers TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 before and after treatment.
Compared with the placebo group, patients receiving active PBMt showed statistically significant reductions in pain intensity and the inflammatory markers TNF-α and IL-8 (p < 0.05). No significant reduction was observed in IL-6 levels.
Conclusion: In this small clinical study, PBMt was associated with reduced pain intensity and certain inflammatory markers following total hip replacement surgery. The findings suggest potential benefits for postoperative recovery, although larger studies are needed to confirm these results.
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