title: Radiofrequency energy effects on the mechanical properties of tendon and capsule.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare the mechanical properties of tendon and capsule after radiofrequency (RF) energy treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  An in vitro study.
  
  
  METHODS
  RF energy was applied to ovine extensor tendon and human cadaveric glenohumeral capsule varying in the treatment wattage and time (5, 10, or 20 W for 10 or 30 seconds). The associated tissue length changes and dynamic and failure properties of the tissues were investigated using a materials testing machine.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Length changes in the 2 tissues were comparable across the range of treatment settings used with both increases in the treatment wattage and time increasing the amount of tissue shrinkage observed. However, tendon showed greater changes in its mechanical properties after RF treatment, with significant decreases in the failure properties of the tissue as well as the dynamic and static stiffness.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  RF treatment shrinks collagenous tissues in a progressive manner correlated to the treatment wattage. However, it has different effects on the mechanical properties of tendon and capsule with the properties of tendinous tissues dramatically reduced.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  RF treatment has been shown to effect the mechanical properties of different collagenous tissues differently; therefore, it must be used specifically and with caution around areas of mixed tissue origin.
authors.affiliation: Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, University of New South Wales, Australia. j.nightingale@fhs.usyd.edu.au
authors.forename: E Jean
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Nightingale
authors.forename: W R
authors.initials: WR
authors.lastname: Walsh
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D001699:Biometry; D003094:Collagen / Q000528:radiation effects*; D003972:Diathermy; D005260:Female; D017746:Joint Capsule / Q000502:physiology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000502:physiology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D008297:Male; D011846:Radio Waves; D017006:Rotator Cuff / Q000502:physiology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D012756:Sheep; D013718:Tensile Strength; D016474:Weight-Bearing
chemical_list: D003094:Collagen