2. Results
GROUP B
A total of 55 patients were assessed for eligibility, 3 of whom were excluded (2 did not meet the inclusion criteria, and 1 declined to participate). Thus, the remaining 52 participants were admitted to the study and randomly assigned into the 2 groups of treatment.During the study, eight patients dropped out: three who voluntarily decided to discontinue the treatment (one assigned to O3 group, two to the HA group) and five who decided to undergo other analgesic treatments or did not complete the scheduled follow-up (three assigned to O3 group and two to the HA group).Therefore, a total population of 44 participants, randomized into 2 groups, reached the endpoint of the study at 6 months (see PRISMA Flow Diagram depicted in Group A consisted of 22 patients (12 male and 10 female) and received OT. Group B consisted of 22 patients (8 male and 14 female) and underwent HA injections (Group B). The baseline characteristics of the patients enrolled and those who completed the study are presented in The groups were homogeneous in terms of gender, age, body mass index (BMI), and previous treatment received. No statistically significant difference was observed in the baseline outcome measures.Changes in clinical scores recorded during the follow-up period for the two groups are presented in 