TITLE:
Mechanisms of Action of Noninvasive Monopolar Radiofrequency: Technology Review
AUTHORS:
Terry L. Whipple, Scott P. Steinmann
KEYWORDS:
Thermal Shrinkage; Thermoplasty; Heat-Shock; AT2, Radiofrequency; Collagen Denaturation; Tendinosis; Wound Healing Response; Tendinopathy; Microtenotomy; Antinociceptive
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Orthopedics,
Vol.3 No.1,
March
29,
2013
ABSTRACT: Tendinosis is now understood as the result of a failed tendon healing process regardless of where it occurs in the body. Current noninvasive therapeutic alternatives are anti-inflammatory in nature and outcomes are unpredictable at best. The benefit of invasive alternatives resides in the induction of the healing response as demonstrated in pre-clinical and clinical studies in cardiology and orthopaedics. A new technology that employs noninvasivemonopolar capacitive-coupled radiofrequency (mcRF), has demonstrated the ability to raise temperatures in tendons and ligaments upwards of 50°C, the temperature threshold for collagen modulation and recruitment of macrophages, fibroblasts and Heat Shock Protein factors—without damaging the overlying structures—resulting in activation of the Wound Healing Response (WHR).