Effect of Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound on Post-Traumatic Intra-Articular Knee Adhesions in Rats

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine
• Musculoskeletal Research

Background:

• Intra-articular adhesions (IAA) frequently cause pain and motor dysfunction following trauma or surgery.
• Current treatments for preventing IAA are limited, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
• Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying IAA is crucial for developing effective interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the therapeutic effects of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) on intra-articular adhesions (IAA) in a rat model.
• To evaluate the impact of LIPUS on knee joint range of motion (ROM) and adhesion formation.
• To explore the molecular mechanisms by which LIPUS influences inflammatory and fibrotic responses in IAA.

Main Methods:

• A rat model of knee intra-articular adhesions was established.
• Animals were treated with LIPUS or sham therapy for varying durations (1-3 weeks).
• Knee joint ROM, adhesion length, and gene expression (RNA-seq, RT-qPCR) were analyzed.

Main Results:

• LIPUS treatment significantly improved knee ROM and reduced adhesion length compared to the sham group.
• RNA-sequencing revealed differential gene expression related to inflammatory, immune, and fibrotic pathways.
• Interleukin-6 (IL-6) mRNA levels showed dynamic changes, increasing early and decreasing later with LIPUS treatment.

Conclusions:

• LIPUS therapy demonstrates potential as a non-invasive approach for managing intra-articular adhesions.
• The findings suggest LIPUS influences key molecular pathways involved in inflammation and fibrosis.
• LIPUS may serve as a valuable rehabilitation strategy to prevent or treat IAA, improving joint function.