Effect of radiofrequency on patellar ligament repair of Wistar rats

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of radiofrequency (RF) on patellar ligament repair through the analysis of type I and III collagens and immunostaining for TGF-β3. To evaluate the effect of RF on patellar ligament repair of Wistar rats, cross-sectional incision (60% of the width - grade I) was performed in patellar ligaments of the groups: lesion (L, n = 7), treated with RF on the 5-day (5RF, n = 7) and 7-day (7RF, n = 7) post injury were compared to control group (C, n = 7). Histological evaluation, immunohistochemistry, morphometry and statistical analysis were performed. At 10 days post injury, ligament rupture were observed only in L. Active fibroblasts, type 3 collagen and TGF-β3 in L, 5RF and 7RF was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than control (C). Type 1 collagen was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in C than L, 5RF and 7RF. A positive correlation (p < 0.05) was observed: TGF-β3 vs active fibroblasts and TGF-β3 vs type 3 collagen; otherwise, negative correlation (p < 0.05): type I collagen vs TGF-β3. These results suggest that RF seemed to accelerate the wound healing process of the patellar ligament and may be used as a non-invasive treatment of partial ligament injuries.