Efficacy of Non-Invasive Radiofrequency-Based Diathermy in the Postoperative Phase of Knee Arthroplasty: A Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Total knee replacement (TKR) surgery ameliorates knee function and the quality of life of patients, although 20% still experience dissatisfaction due to pain limiting their function. Radiofrequency Diathermy (MDR) has shown improvements in knee osteoarthritis and patellofemoral pain syndrome. As such, this study aims to assess the effects of MDR in the postoperative treatment of TKR patients. Forty-two participants were allocated to an experimental, placebo, or control group. For two weeks, subjects performed daily knee exercises and MDR, knee exercises and placebo MDR, or only knee exercises. Data from the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Timed Up-and-Go (TUG) test, Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test (FSST), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC), physical component summary (PCS), and the mental component summary (MCS) of the SF-12 questionnaire were collected. Group-by-time interaction was significant, with favorable results in the MDR group for VAS (p = 0.009) and WOMAC (p = 0.021). No significant differences were found for TUG, FSST, PCS, or MCS (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the addition of MDR to therapeutic knee exercises obtained better results for knee pain than exercise alone in patients who had recently undergone TKR surgery.

The Efficacy of Electromagnetic Diathermy for the Treatment of Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

“…García-Marín 2021 [ 96 ] studied TKR post-operative pain. All three groups underwent usual physiotherapy (active mobilization, strengthening, and walking), and then one group underwent CRET while the other performed sham CRET.…”

Efficacy of Transcutaneous 4.4 MHz Radiofrequency Diathermy versus Therapeutic Ultrasound for Pain Relief and Functional Recovery in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Study

“…This method can increase tissue permeability through the use of high-frequency electromagnetic signals. It has been reported to effectively alleviate pain, improve the range of motion, and enhance the quality of life among patients with KOA [ 11 , 21 ]. On the other hand, in clinical studies using a 448 kHz energy transfer through a combination of capacitive and monopolar modes, a reduction in postoperative pain and improvements in gait ability and range of motion have also been reported [ 13 ].…”

“…Previous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of 4.4 MHz RF diathermy in managing pain, such as low back pain and shoulder pain [ 9 , 10 ]. While there have been studies on RF diathermy for KOA, the frequencies applied in each study have varied [ 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ]. However, there are still not enough prospective studies performed to investigate the effectiveness of 4.4 MHz RF diathermy in treating KOA.…”

UCO Physical Rehabilitation: New Dataset and Study of Human Pose Estimation Methods on Physical Rehabilitation Exercises

“…Physical rehabilitation is a common recovery method following body joint surgery (e.g., frozen shoulder, humeral and clavicle fractures, anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, knee fractures, patellofemoral pain syndrome, and knee arthroplasty [1]). This method aims to achieve complete and satisfactory patient recovery and avoid further complications.…”