High voltage pulsed current in collagen realignment, synthesis, and angiogenesis after Achilles tendon partial rupture

Abstract

ObjectiveTo verify the efficacy of high voltage pulsed current in collagen realignment and synthesis and in angiogenesis after the partial rupturing of the Achilles tendon in rats.MethodForty male Wistar rats were randomized into four groups of 10 animals each: sham, cathodic stimulation, anodic stimulation, and alternating stimulation. Their Achilles tendons were submitted to direct trauma by a free-falling metal bar. Then, the treatment was administered for six consecutive days after the injury. In the simulation group, the electrodes were positioned on the animal, but the device remained off for 30 minutes. The other groups used a frequency of 120 pps, sensory threshold, and the corresponding polarity. On the seventh day, the tendons were removed and sent for histological slide preparation for birefringence and Picrosirius Red analysis and for blood vessel quantification.ResultsNo significant difference was observed among the groups regarding collagen realignment (types I or III collagen) or quantity of blood vessels.ConclusionHigh voltage pulsed current for six consecutive days was not effective in collagen realignment, synthesis, or angiogenesis after the partial rupturing of the Achilles tendon in rats.

Comparison of the Effects of Open Surgery and Minimally Invasive Surgery on the Achilles Tendon Rupture Healing Based on Angiogenesis

“…VEGF and COLIII have a synergistic effect, and they work together to promote wound repair [28]. COLIII is a key protein for early Achilles tendon fibrosis, and it continues to increase within 6 weeks after healing [29][30][31].…”

Histological evaluation of the effect of low-frequency electric stimulation on healing Achilles tendons in rats

“…However, Rampazo et al . 35 , using a pulsed current, did not find better collagen realignment or an increase in collagen 1 fibers when they treated Achilles tendon wounds in rats. A comparison of studies on electric stimulation is generally not possible most of the time because of the diversity of methodologies that are employed.…”

“…A controversy arises here, given that Rampazo et al . 35 used high-frequency electric stimulation at 120 Hz and high voltage comparing alternating currents (cathodic and anodic) and found no difference between the groups in the formation and alignment of collagen and in angiogenesis.…”

Tensiometric evaluation of the effect of lowfrequency electric stimulation on healing Achilles tendons in rats

“…An experiment performed on the Achilles tendons of rats showed a reduction in the formation and alignment of collagen fibers with 100 Hz 10 . However, Rampazo et al 36 used high-frequency (120 Hz) and high-voltage electric stimulation, comparing alternating currents (cathodic and anodic) and found no difference between groups in the formation and alignment of collagen and angiogenesis.…”