Effects of electrical stimulation on joint contracture in a rat model

This study was intended to delineate whether electrical stimulation could significantly reduce the amount of joint contracture in a rat model. Rat knees were surgically immobilized in 150 degrees of flexion. Two groups of rats had sham electrodes, and two groups were electrically stimulated. All rats were killed 14 days after surgery. The degree of joint contracture was assessed by measuring the femorotibial angles with a 0.015-Nm extension moment applied. When the electrical current was applied in a transverse manner, there was a statistically significant reduction in the amount of posterior capsule (p less than 0.005) and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) (p less than 0.05) contracture. When the electrical current was applied longitudinally, no significant difference in the amount of joint contracture was found. These findings support the hypothesis that electrical stimulation can inhibit joint contracture. These findings also suggest that the effect occurs when the electrical current is applied transversely as opposed to longitudinally.