Post-stroke arthropathy: therapy experience using chondroprotective agents
Aim: to evaluate the efficacy of AMBENE®BIO use as part of complex rehabilitation of painful shoulder joint in post-stroke arthropathy. Patients and Methods: 52 patients with painful arthropathy of the shoulder joint were included in the follow-up in the early period of ischemic stroke. All patients received a complex of rehabilitation actions conducted by a multidisciplinary rehabilitation team, including positioning, kinesiotherapy, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy. Adding that, they underwent basic therapy aimed at secondary prevention of stroke. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs could not be used at this rehabilitation stage due to the contraindications. The main group (n=30) additionally received AMBENE®BIO intramuscularly 10 times a day. The following parameters in the main group and the comparison group were evaluated: severity of pain syndrome by using a visual analog scale (VAS), the movement amplitude in the shoulder joint, and the achievement of rehabilitation goals on days 7, 14, and 21 of follow-up. Results: statistically significant expansion of the passive range of motion in the shoulder joint was observed in both groups starting from day 7 of follow-up concerning shoulder abduction, and starting from day 14 concerning shoulder flexion and extension. However, the increase in positive tendency was more definite in the main group. The expansion of the passive range of motion in the shoulder joint led to an increase in the rehabilitation potential of patients. Thus, it allowed to achieve the specified rehabilitation goals related to the patient self-care. Conclusion: the inclusion of AMBENE®BIO in the rehabilitation complex in post-stroke arthropathy of the shoulder joint helps to reduce pain, expand the passive range of motion and increase the rehabilitation efficacy in this patient cohort.