Preliminary Research On The Effect Of Stretching Combined With Ultrashort Wave Diathermy On Joint Function And Joint Capsule Fibrosis In A Rabbit Knee Contracture Model

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of stretching combined with ultrashort wave diathermy on joint function and joint capsule fibrosis,so as to provide theoretical basis for clinical rehabilitation therapy.Methods(1)Experimental animals: Forty New-Zealand male rabbits,aging 3-4 month,weighing about 2-2.5kg,were selected in the experiment.(2)Establish rabbit knee extending joint contracture model: Thirty two of the forty rabbits were anesthetized by ear intravenous administration with 30mg/kg sodium pentobarbital.The rabbits underwent unilateral immobilization of a knee joint at full extension using a plaster cast from groin to proximal toes for 6 weeks to cause knee joint contracture.(3)Grouping and treatment protocol: At 6 weeks after immobilization,the plaster casts were removed from the thirty two rabbits and animals were randomly divided into four subgroups,corresponding to subsequent intervention measures: a natural recovery group(NR),in which no ultrashort wave or stretching treatment was given to observe the natural recovery for 4 weeks after remobilization;a stretching treatment group(ST)where stretching treatment was given for 4 weeks after remobilization;an ultrashort wave treatment group(UT)where ultrashort wave treatment was given for 4 weeks after remobilization;and a combined treatment group(CT)where both stretching treatment and ultrashort wave were given for 4 weeks after remobilization.For comparison,eight control group animals of corresponding age,which served as the control group(C),were also examined at the same time.(4)Assessment methods: The joint range of motion(ROM)was measured using a home-made mechanical arthrometer.The synovial thickness of suprapatellar joint capsule was measured with B ultrasonic examination.The collagen deposition of anterior joint capsule was measured using Masson staining.The m RNA and protein levels for TGF-?1 in the anterior joint capsule were measured with RT-PCR and western blot.Results Compared with the control group,the joint ranges of motion in the other groups were decreased to various degrees.The synovial thickness of suprapatellar joint capsule thickened.The expressions of collagen and TGF-?1 in the anterior joint capsule increased.After 1 month of treatment and when compared to the natural recovery group,the joint ranges of motion in the treatment groups were decreased to various degrees.The synovial thickness of suprapatellar joint capsule thinned.The expressions of collagen and TGF-?1 in the anterior joint capsule decreased.Moreover,The most significant improvement was obtained in the combined treatment group.Conclusion Stretching combined with ultrashort wave diathermy was more effective than stretching of ultrashort wave diathermy alone for the treatment of joint contracture.