The application of a low-frequency impulse magnetic field in patients recovering from arthroscopic ablation of the medial meniscus

Piotr Wróbel, Rafał Trąbka

Piotr Wróbel, Rafał Trąbka – The application of a low-frequency impulse magnetic field in patients recovering from arthroscopic ablation of the medial meniscus. Fizjoterapia Polska 2003; 3(1); 31-37

Abstract
Background. The goal of the present study was to test the influence of a low-frequency impulse magnetic field on recovery from surgery by patients who have undergone surgical ablation of the medial meniscus. Material and methods. Our research involved 20 persons undergoing rehabilitation in a private physiotherapeutic practice. The clinical material was randomly divided into two numerically equal groups. The kinesitherapy program was identical in both groups, but the experimental group received magnetotherapy, while the control group did not. The rehabilitation program lasted for two 6-day cycles with a 1-day interval between. The patients in both groups were tested for range of movement in the knee, the strength of the femoral quadriceps, and the circumference of the affected limb, measured at the joint and 20 cm above the patella, before, during, and after rehabilitation. Results. In the experimental group the patients recovered normal range of movement somewhat faster. These patients also showed greater increases in limb circumference above the joint and greater reduction of edema in the joint itself. No significant differences were found in respect to muscle strength. Some patients from the control group showed a recurrence of edema, which did not take place in the experimental group. Conclusions. In view of the faster improvement in range of motion and the significant reduction of edema in the operated limb, the use of low-frequency impulse magnetic fields can be recommended for the rehabilitation of patients recovering from arthroscopic ablation of the medial meniscus.

Key words:
magnetic field intensity, magnetic field frequency, Knee Joint, range of movement

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