Subcutaneous ozone infiltration in rhizarthrosis refractory to conventional treatment. Case Report

Abstract

Rhizarthrosis is one of the most common causes of pain and functional limitation in postmenopausal women. Conservative treatment includes anti-inflammatory drugs, orthoses, and intra-articular infiltrations of local anesthetics and corticosteroids, with limited efficacy over time. Objective: To demonstrate the effectiveness of ozone therapy in chronic inflammatory joint processes such as rhizarthrosis. Method: This is a descriptive case report. It presents the case of a 57-year-old woman with long-standing rhizarthrosis, refractory to repeated intra-articular injections of analgesics and corticosteroids with limited efficacy over time. Treatment was initiated with periarticular subcutaneous ozone therapy using the glove technique as a last resort before surgery. Results: After the second weekly infiltration of medical ozone (10 ml at concentrations of 15-20 µg/Nml), progressive improvement of pain and functionality was observed, with a significant decrease in pain on the visual analog scale and temporary suspension of corticosteroid infiltrations from the start of ozone treatment. Discussion and conclusions: The case supports the possible role of ozone therapy as a therapeutic option in refractory digital osteoarthritis