A Biomechanical Assessment of Tendon Repair After Radiofrequency Treatment

After acute tendon injury, rapid mobilization prevents adhesions and improves the ultimate strength of the repair. Radiofrequency (RF) ablation is proposed to enhance angiogenesis in the early stages of healing. The mechanism and effect of RF have not yet been described in an animal model of tendon injury. To investigate the biomechanical effect of bipolar RF on acute injury in a rabbit model of partial Achilles tendon transection and suture repair, RF-treated tendon repairs were compared to untreated tendons. Cross-sectional area, Young's modulus, and ultimate tensile strength were determined. At 6 and 12 weeks after repair, RF-treated tendons had significant increases in cross-sectional area (P<.0001 class="article_abstract_nonital">P<.0001 and ultimate tensile strength class="article_abstract_nonital">P<.0001 class="article_abstract_nonital">P<.01 young modulus of rf-treated tendons was increased at weeks but not class="article_abstract_nonital">P<.01 compared with untreated tendons rf-treated showed faster return to mechanical integrity. this may allow earlier rehabilitation.>