[Efficiency of magnetic therapy techniques in the treatment and rehabilitation of patients with joint diseases from the standpoint of evidence-based medicine].

This article provides information on currently proven effective treatment methods for patients with joint diseases, by using magnetic fields with various physical characteristics. A wide range of biotropic parameters allows obtaining various primary physicochemical changes in biological tissues, which was a rationale for including magnetic therapy (MT) in the combination treatment of degenerative-dystrophic and inflammatory diseases. Analysis of scientific publications suggests that there are a large number of randomized, placebo-controlled studies providing evidence for reduced pain, improved joint functional activity and quality of life in patients with knee osteoarthritis under magnetic fields with varying inductions, frequencies, and exposures. There are few randomized clinical trials identifying the efficiency of MT for a number of other joint diseases and after arthroplasty. Despite the fact that there are differences in methodological approaches, it is possible to draw a general conclusion on the scientific validity of using MT in the complex treatment and rehabilitation programs for patients with joint diseases and on the prospects of further developments in this area.