["Shrinkage of cruciate ligaments"--a biomechanical study. Shrinkage of elongated cruciate ligaments using an application of radiofrequency energy].
The aim of this study was to evaluate structural properties of native and elongated bovine anterior cruciate ligaments after the application of bipolar radiofrequency. Using a material testing machine typical load-elongation curves were used to determine the initial strength of untreated (group 1, n = 20) and elongated cruciate ligaments (group 2, n = 20) after treatment with bipolar radiofrequency (ArthroCare). After the application of a cyclic loading protocol (1000 x 400 N) elongation, yield load, maximal load, and stiffness were determined. Native ligaments served as a control group (group 3, n = 20). In both groups 4 mm reduction in length was caused by the application of radiofrequency. Elongation was significantly higher; yield load, maximal load, and stiffness of cruciate ligaments treated with radiofrequency (groups 1 and 2) were significantly reduced after the application of a cyclic loading protocol in comparison to the control group (p < 0.05). Group 2 ligaments showed the lowest values. The application of radiofrequency weakens the biomechanical properties of native and elongated cruciate ligaments significantly. When radiofrequency energy is used to shrink elongated cruciate ligaments, a nonaggressive rehabilitation protocol should be applied.
Weimann
A
A
Klinik für Unfall-, Hand- und Wiederherstellungschirurgie, Universitätsklinikum, Münster.
Jahnke
M
M
Zantop
T
T
Fuchs
T
T
Drescher
W
W
Petersen
W
W
D000818:Animals; D016118:Anterior Cruciate Ligament / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology* / Q000528:radiation effects*; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena / Q000379:methods; D002417:Cattle; D019245:Compressive Strength / Q000502:physiology / Q000528:radiation effects; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D004548:Elasticity; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011846:Radio Waves; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013718:Tensile Strength / Q000502:physiology / Q000528:radiation effects