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The effects of radiofrequency hyperthermia on pain and function in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a preliminary report

  • Original Article
  • Published:
Journal of Orthopaedic Science

Abstract

Background

The clinical evidence of the efficacy of hyperthermia on osteoarthritis (OA) has not yet been clearly established. In addition, the application of a modality that can control the temperature inside the joints has not been reported. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of percutaneous radiofrequency hyperthermia, which could safely raise the temperature of the body core, in patients with OA knees.

Methods

Temperature changes inside the knee joint without OA were measured during exposure to radiofrequency. Radiofrequency hyperthermia was performed on 12 OA knees by exposure to 8 MHz and 200 W for 20 min, 3 times, at 1-week intervals. The clinical outcome was evaluated by use of the Lequesne index (LI) and the Japan Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scale. The osteoarthritis research society international (OARSI) responder criteria were also analyzed.

Results

Radiofrequency hyperthermia of 8 MHz and 200 W for 20 min increased the temperature inside the joint from 34.4 to 39.4°C. The LI decreased by 3.55 points from baseline during the 3 weeks. The JOA scale improved significantly during the period, reaching 86.25 points at the final examination from baseline of 67.5 points. 67% of patients had a response to the therapy according to OARSI criteria. No side effects were observed.

Conclusions

Radiofrequency hyperthermia can safely increase the temperature inside the knee joint. Radiofrequency hyperthermia on OA knees provides a remarkable pain relief effect and can improve the patients’ daily life. In the future, clinical studies should be performed with a protocol containing more cases, with appropriate control groups.

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Acknowledgments

The authors appreciate the technical advice of Mr Takasugi about use of the Thermotron-RF8. No research or institutional support was received for this work. Each author certifies that he or she has no commercial associations (e.g., consultancies, stock ownership, equity interest, patent/licensing arrangements, etc.) that might pose a conflict of interest in connection with this article.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Rheumatology, Nippon Medical School, 1-1-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8603, Japan

    Kenji Takahashi, Kenji Takenouchi & Hiroshi Nakamura

  2. Cancro Clinic, 2-29-2 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan

    Hiromasa Kurosaki

  3. Hashimoto Clinic, 2-16-7 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 151-0053, Japan

    Sanshiro Hashimoto

  4. Hara Orthopaedic Hospital, 3-36-23 Nishiikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo, 171-0021, Japan

    Toshikazu Kamada

Authors
  1. Kenji Takahashi
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  2. Hiromasa Kurosaki
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  3. Sanshiro Hashimoto
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  4. Kenji Takenouchi
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  5. Toshikazu Kamada
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  6. Hiroshi Nakamura
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Kenji Takahashi.

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Takahashi, K., Kurosaki, H., Hashimoto, S. et al. The effects of radiofrequency hyperthermia on pain and function in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a preliminary report. J Orthop Sci 16, 376–381 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00776-011-0093-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00776-011-0093-8

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