Medical Bulletin 23/September/2025

Knee braces, water therapy, and exercise are the most effective non-drug treatments for knee osteoarthritis, according to a major new study published in the open-access journal PLOS One. The meta-analysis suggests that these simple, accessible therapies outperform more high-tech interventions, offering safer alternatives to medication-based treatment.

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a degenerative joint condition affecting millions of older adults, often causing pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. While anti-inflammatory drugs are commonly prescribed, they carry risks of gastrointestinal and cardiovascular side effects. In response, researchers conducted a large-scale analysis to determine which non-drug therapies offer the greatest benefit.

The team reviewed 139 clinical trials involving nearly 10,000 participants. The studies examined 12 types of non-pharmacological treatments, including knee braces, insoles, kinesiology tape, hydrotherapy, exercise, laser therapy, electrical stimulation, shock wave therapy, and ultrasound. By using a network meta-analysis, which combines and compares data across multiple studies, the researchers ranked the treatments based on their effectiveness in reducing pain, improving physical function, and relieving stiffness.

Knee braces ranked highest in nearly all categories, followed closely by hydrotherapy — therapeutic exercises performed in warm water — and general physical exercise. “Knee braces, hydrotherapy, and exercise are the most effective non-drug therapies for knee osteoarthritis. They reduce pain and improve mobility without the gastrointestinal or cardiovascular risks linked to common pain medications. Patients and clinicians should prioritize these evidence-based options,” the authors noted.

Other interventions such as high-intensity laser therapy and shock wave therapy showed moderate benefit, while ultrasound was consistently the least effective. The researchers acknowledged limitations in their analysis due to variability in study design, treatment duration, and sample sizes. They call for future research to assess the cost-effectiveness of combined therapies.

Reference: Xiao Chen, Yuanhe Fan, Hongliang Tu, Yuan Luo. Clinical efficacy of different therapeutic options for knee osteoarthritis: A network meta-analysis based on randomized clinical trials. PLOS One, 2025; 20 (6): e0324864 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0324864

Waking up with a pimple may soon no longer be a worry, thanks to a new high-tech acne patch developed by scientists and detailed in a recent study published in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces. The innovative two-stage patch, designed by researchers including Shayan Fakhraei Lahiji and Yong-Hee Kim, uses microscopic arrowhead-shaped spikes to firmly grip the skin and deliver targeted antibacterial and anti-inflammatory compounds directly into the pimple. In human trials, the patches cleared acne lesions completely within seven days.

Acne stickers, also known as pimple patches, have become a popular solution for spot-treating breakouts. Traditional versions use polymers that absorb moisture and oil, and some include medications to reduce inflammation. However, medicated patches that use microarrays—tiny spikes that deliver treatments into the skin—can sometimes shift during wear and cause irritation. To solve these issues, the research team developed a new patch featuring arrowhead-shaped microneedles printed using specialized 3D printing technology, designed to stay firmly in place during use.

The base of the patch is made from hyaluronic acid, a common and skin-friendly skincare ingredient. This base was infused with either antibacterial agents such as salicylic acid and Cannabis sativa extract, or anti-inflammatory agents like niacinamide and chamomile extract. In a clinical trial involving 20 participants, users applied the antibacterial patch on the first day, followed by a new anti-inflammatory patch daily for six days.

The microneedles dissolved painlessly into the skin within 30 to 90 minutes. After just three days, participants saw an 81% reduction in acne lesions in treated areas, and by day seven, the pimples had completely disappeared. Sebum levels also dropped significantly, and 95% of users reported being satisfied with the results.

Looking ahead, they believe the technology could be adapted for broader medical use. “Our work highlights the potential of microarray patches as a platform for applications beyond acne treatment, ranging from skin disorders to obesity therapies and vaccine delivery,” explains Kim.

Reference: Jisook Park, Jaehyun Kim, Shayan Fakhraei Lahiji, Yong-Hee Kim. Dual-Phase Antibacterial and Anti-inflammatory Self-Locking Microarray Patches for the Effective Treatment of Acne Vulgaris. ACS Applied Materials, 2025; 17 (32): 45438 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.5c07718