Efectividad de la diatermia por radiofrecuencia en el tratamiento de las patologías de rodilla. Una revisión sistemática / Effectiveness of radiofrequency diathermy in the treatment of knee pathologies. A systematic review

Objetivo La diatermia es una terapia que permite aumentar la temperatura y el metabolismo de los tejidos biológicos mediante la emisión de radiaciones electromagnéticas. A pesar de que esta forma de terapia está ampliamente extendida, no existen revisiones acerca de su utilidad en el tratamiento de patologías de rodilla. Por eso, en la presente revisión bibliográfica se valoró la efectividad de la diatermia por radiofrecuencia como tratamiento conservador en el abordaje de diferentes patologías de rodilla. Material y métodos Se realizó una búsqueda de ensayos clínicos controlados y aleatorizados en las bases de datos PubMed, Web of Science (WOS) y Scopus con las palabras clave «Radiofrequency», «Capacitive», «Resistive», «Dielectric», «Knee» y «Diathermy». Se seleccionaron ensayos clínicos aleatorizados publicados desde 2011 hasta la fecha actual, en inglés y en español. Para valorar la calidad de estos, se usó la escala PEDro. Resultados Cuatro ensayos clínicos aleatorizados fueron seleccionados atendiendo a los criterios de inclusión y exclusión. Todos ellos mostraron resultados positivos a favor del grupo experimental en las variables de dolor percibido y funcionalidad. Conclusión La diatermia por radiofrecuencia es una terapia no invasiva eficaz para mejorar la funcionalidad y reducir el dolor a corto plazo en pacientes con diferentes patologías de rodilla (AU)

Objective Radiofrequency diathermy is a treatment technique that increase temperature and metabolism of the biologic tissues by the emission of electromagnetic radiation. Even though this therapy is widely used, there are no reviews about its effectiveness in the treatment of knee pathologies. For this reason, the aim of this systematic review is to assess the efficacy of radiofrequency diathermy as conservative treatment for different knee pathologies. Methods A bibliographic search of randomized clinical trials was carried out in Pubmed, Scopus and WOS, using «Radiofrequency», «Capacitive», «Resistive», «Dielectric», «Knee» and «Diathermy» as descriptors. Only randomized clinical trials in English and Spanish from 2011 to date were chosen. PEDro scale was used to assess the quality of the studies. Results Four randomized clinical trials were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. All studies showed positive results in favor to the experimental group regarding pain reduction and knee function. Conclusions Radiofrequency diathermy is an effective non-invasive therapy to improve the quality of life, the functionality and the pain in short-term in patients with different knee conditions (AU)

Monopolar Electrosurgery With Cochlear Implants.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate safety of monopolar electrosurgery (MES) in patients with cochlear implants (CIs) by reporting outcomes of a series of patients who underwent MES after CI. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Patients with indwelling CI subsequently undergoing surgery with operative note specifically detailing MES use. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Adverse outcomes in post-operative audiology/otolaryngology documentation; speech recognition scores. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients (10 with bilateral CI) experienced 63 unique MES exposure events, 85.7% below and 14.3% above the clavicle. No adverse events or decreased performance due to MES use were reported for any patient. Pre- and immediate postoperative speech recognition scores were not significantly different for patients using either consonant-nucleus-consonant (CNC; n = 23, 68%-66%, p = 0.80) or AzBio (n = 15, 82%-88%, p = 0.60). For individual CNC performance, 21 (91%) patients demonstrated stability, 1 improved >15%, and 1 declined >15%, although this patient had become a non-user due to magnet issues and, after resolution of these issues, exceeded baseline pre-operative score. For individual AzBio performance, 12 (80%) patients demonstrated stability, 3 improved >15%, and none declined >15%. CONCLUSIONS: No adverse events resulted from MES use in CI patients. Given the increased prevalence and expansion of indications for CIs, and widespread utility of MES, we suggest clarification and improved guidance from device manufacturers regarding safety and use of MES for patients with these devices. We hope that data regarding electrosurgery exposure events will better inform clinician decision-making with regards to relative benefits and risks for MES use for CI patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 133:933-937, 2023.

Effect of the association of continuous shortwave diathermy and Pilates-based exercises on pain, depression, and anxiety in chronic non-specific low back pain: a randomized clinical trial.

Chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNLBP) is the most common musculoskeletal condition, which can be influenced by nociceptive, psychosocial, cognitive, and affective aspects, causing vulnerabilities and impairing the individual's ability to manage pain. The association of continuous shortwave diathermy (CSWD) with Pilates-based exercises may contribute to reduce pain, depression, and anxiety in patients with CNLBP. A single-blind randomized clinical trial was performed in which 36 patients with CNLBP were divided into a control group that received placebo CSWD and an intervention group that received active CSWD. Both groups received 12 sessions of Pilates-based exercises. Pain, depression, and anxiety variables were evaluated using the McGill questionnaire, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Visual Analog Anxiety Scale. Assessments were performed at baseline, after three and six weeks of treatment, and at the three-month follow-up. The Shapiro-Wilk test, Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, chi-squared test, and repeated measures ANOVA, with α=0.05, were used to compare the outcomes, and indicated that active CSWD did not present additional improvement in the assessed variables in CNLBP patients compared to the placebo group. Both groups improved pain and depression at follow-up and reduced anxiety only during Pilates-based exercises. Therefore, only Pilates-based exercises seemed sufficient to manage patients with CNLBP.

Sol-gel dip-coated TiO2 nanofilms reduce heat production in titanium alloy implants produced by microwave diathermy.

Objective: To verify that the TiO2 nanofilm dip-coated by sol-gel can reduce titanium alloy implants (TAI)'s heat production after microwave diathermy (MD).Methods: The effect of 40 W and 60 W MD on the titanium alloy substrate coated with TiO2 nanofilm (Experimental Group) and the titanium alloy substrate without film (Control Group) were analyzed in vitro and in vivo. Changes in the skeletal muscle around the implant were evaluated in ex vivo by histology.Results: After 20 min of MD, in vitro the temperature rise of the titanium substrate was less in the Experimental Group than in the Control Group (40 W: 1.4 °C vs. 2.6 °C, p < .01, 60 W: 2.5 °C vs. 3.7 °C, p < .01) and in vivo, the temperature rise of the muscle tissue adjacent to TAI was lower in the Experimental Group than in the Control Group (40 W: 3.29 °C vs. 4.8 °C, p < .01, 60 W: 4.16 °C vs. 6.52 °C, p < .01). Skeletal muscle thermal injury can be found in the Control Group but not in the Experimental Group.Conclusion: Sol-gel dip-coated TiO2 nanofilm can reduce the heat production of TAIs under single 40～60 W and continuous 40 W MD and protect the muscle tissue adjacent to the implants against thermal injury caused by irradiation.

Long-Term Outcomes of Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration Through Diathermy, Choledochotomy, and Primary Closure: A 6-Year Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background and Objective: Choledocholithiasis is a frequent pathology, unfortunately when its endoscopic management fails, there is no consensus of how it should be addressed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) using electrosurgery (coagulation) for choledochotomy followed by primary closure after endoscopic treatment failure. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent LCBDE from 2013 to 2018 was conducted in Bogotá, Colombia. Clinical demographics, operative outcomes, recurrence rate of common bile duct stones, and long-term bile duct complications were analyzed. A descriptive analysis was performed. Results: A total of 168 patients were analyzed. Most of the patients were males (53.37%) with a median age of 73 years with no comorbidities (65%). Stone clearance was successful in 167 patients (99.4%). Nonlethal complications were noted in 3 patients during the surgery or in the immediate postoperative (1.79%) and managed with T-tube or endoscopically. No cases of mortality surgery related were observed. There were no signs of any type of biliary injury or stricture observed in any of the patients during the 24-month follow-up period. Conclusions: LCBDE with diathermy and primary closure is a safe and effective treatment option for choledocholithiasis for failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in terms of long-term outcome as well as short-term outcome.

A randomised control trial of intraoperative and early outcome in scalpel versus monopolar diathermy for midline abdominal incisions.

BACKGROUND: Cutting diathermy is an alternative to scalpel for all layers of abdominal entry despite the perception that it impairs healing, increases infection risk and has worse cosmesis. This prospective, randomised, controlled trial was carried out to compare the intraoperative and early outcome in diathermy to scalpel for midline abdominal incisions in general surgery. METHODS: The study was conducted from 1 October 2014 to 31 May 2016. Ethical approval was obtained. The incision time, wound size or area, and volume of blood loss were determined for each group of diathermy and scalpel. Results were analysed with SPSS version 23.0. RESULTS: Two hundred and thirty-four patients (93.6%) met the inclusion criteria and were successfully randomised to mode of entry incision - group A monopolar diathermy (118 patients), and group B scalpel (116 patients). The mean incision time was 3.9 ± 1.6 minutes, wound size or area was 54.8 ± 24.4 cm2, volume of blood loss was 46.0 ± 25.5 ml and volume of blood loss per area was 0.99 ± 0.7 ml/cm2 for group A, while the mean incision time was 5.6 ± 2.5 minutes, wound size or area was 57.3 ± 27.3 cm2, volume of blood loss was 62.2 ± 30.6 ml and volume of blood loss per area was 1.3 ml/cm2 ± 0.8 for group B, respectively. The differences in these means were statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Incisions made with diathermy resulted in shorter incision time and lesser blood loss when compared to that made with the scalpel. There was no difference in the rate of surgical site infection. These procedural results favour the use of diathermy for abdominal entry.

The Effect of Trimetazidine on Diathermy-related Thermic Injury of the Rat Liver.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Owing to new oncotherapy modalities, the importance of an R0 resection decreased in the last decade; however, liver metastasis of colorectal cancer significantly decreases survival. Furthermore, to prevent cardiovascular disease, more and more patients are treated with anti-ischemic drugs, which may influence oncologic treatments in such patients. This study aimed to examine the effect of Trimetazidine on liver surface injury after spray diathermy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed standard liver resections with resection-margin spray coagulation in 36 rats on both liver lobes. In all procedures, a Pringle maneuver was performed on the right lobe, while on the left lobe, no vessel occlusion was applied. Half of the animals were on Trimetazidine therapy. In 12 animals, histologic samples were taken immediately after operation, while 12 animals were terminated 1 week later, and the remaining 12 animals 3 weeks later. After standard HE staining, histologic analysis was performed. RESULTS: When diathermy was used, a coagulation zone appeared. Destruction was slightly wider in case of Trimetazidine therapy (745.75 vs. 680.04 µm). In cases of 1-week-surviving animals, a necrotic zone was observed under the coagulated tissue, and a fibrotic zone appeared after 3 weeks. In TMZ medicated animals, the destruction zone was significantly thinner (645.08 vs. 893.76 µm; p<0.001) and the necrosis zone showed the same difference (2,430.05 vs. 3,238.45 µm; p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Administration of Trimetazidine can reduce the extent of thermic necrosis. Furthermore, a great effort should be applied to achieve R0 resection in patients on anti-ischemic therapy.

Efficacy of electrocoagulation hemostasis: a study on the optimal usage of the very-low-voltage mode.

BACKGROUND: The very-low-voltage (VLV) mode in electrosurgery can stably and deeply energize tissues even if the local electrical resistance changes with energization. Therefore, in electrosurgical hemostasis, the VLV mode is more reliable than other coagulation modes. In clinical practice, the appropriate use of combined saline drip and blood suction under the VLV mode can further enhance coagulation ability. However, the detailed mechanism is not known. The current study aimed to evaluate the association between electrosurgical activation time (ET) and hemostatic tissue effect (HTE) under the VLV mode. Further, the effect of saline drip and suction on power consumption and HTE was validated. METHODS: Twelve female pigs weighing 35 kg were included in the experiment. A liver hemorrhage model was established via an open abdominal procedure, and hemostasis in the hemorrhagic lesion was attempted using the VLV mode under different conditions (ET: 3, 6, 9, and 12 s, with/without saline drip and/or continuous suction). Electrical data (such as voltage, current, and resistance) during coagulation were extracted. Then, the vertical/horizontal extent of HTE was assessed, and the hemostasis outcome (successful or failed) was recorded. RESULTS: The vertical/horizontal HTE, power consumption, and integrated current value were positively correlated with the ET. The coagulation depth deepened with saline drip (p < 0.01). However, it was not affected by continuous suction (p = 0.20). The HTE area increased with saline drip (p < 0.01) and decreased with suction (p < 0.01). The power consumption and integrated current increased with saline drip (p < 0.01) and decreased with suction (p < 0.01). The success rate of hemostasis decreased with saline drip alone (31of 48 trials [success rate = 64.5%] in the saline drip group and 44/48 trials (success rate = 91.7%) in the control group). However, it improved with continuous suction (46/48 trials [success rate = 95.8%]). CONCLUSION: The electrosurgical activation time was positively correlated with hemostatic tissue effect. Saline drip increased heat transfer efficiency but decreased the success rate of hemostasis. Therefore, the use of continuous suction in addition to saline drip increased hemostatic efficiency.

Efficacy and safety of focused low-intensity pulsed ultrasound versus pulsed shortwave diathermy on knee osteoarthritis: a randomized comparative trial.

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of focused low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (FLIPUS) with pulsed shortwave diathermy (PSWD) in subjects with painful knee osteoarthritis (OA). In a prospective randomized trial, 114 knee OA patients were randomly allocated to receive FLIPUS or PSWD therapy. The primary outcome was the change from baseline in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) total scores. Secondary outcomes included the numerical rating scale (NRS) for pain assessment, time up and go (TUG) test, active joint range of motion (ROM) test, and Global Rating of Change (GRC) scale. Data were collected at baseline, 12 days, 12 weeks and 24 weeks. Patients receiving FLIPUS therapy experienced significantly greater improvements in the WOMAC total scores than patients receiving PSWD therapy at 12 days (mean difference, - 10.50; 95% CI - 13.54 to - 7.45; P = 0.000). The results of the NRS, TUG test, ROM test and GRC scale showed that participants treated with FLIPUS reported less pain and better physical function and health status than those treated with PSWD at 12 days (P = 0.011, P = 0.005, P = 0.025, P = 0.011, respectively). Furthermore, patients in the FLIPUS group showed significant improvements in the WOMAC total scores and NRS scores at 12 weeks (mean difference, - 7.57; 95% CI - 10.87 to - 4.26; P = 0.000 and - 1.79; 95% CI - 2.11 to - 1.47, respectively) and 24 weeks (mean difference, - 6.96; 95% CI - 10.22 to - 3.71; P = 0.000 and - 1.37; 95% CI - 1.64 to - 0.96; P = 0.000, respectively) of follow-up. There were no adverse events during or after the interventions in either group. This study concluded that both FLIPUS and pulsed SWD are safe modalities, and FLIPUS was more effective than PSWD in alleviating pain and in improving dysfunction and health status among subjects with knee OA in the short term.Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2000032735. Registered 08/05/2020, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=53413 .

Innovative Application of Diathermy in Orthodontics: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Several strategies have been proposed in the literature to accelerate tooth movement, many of which are invasive and have numerous side effects, such as surgical techniques (corticotomy and piezocision technique). This research investigates to what extent diathermy can accelerate the orthodontic alignment phase. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A patient with lower teeth crowding index of the same magnitude was selected. The orthodontic treatment with Nickel-Titanium (NiTi) thermal arc 0.015 in the lower arch was performed, associated with a weekly application of diathermy using the intraoral handpiece. The total duration of treatment was three weeks. During each session, an intraoral transducer was employed to stimulate the hard and soft tissues of the left dental hemiarch, which was also orthodontically aligned like the right one. RESULTS: Comparing the tooth movements of four elements of the two hemiarchies, it was found that, overall, the two teeth examined on the treated side underwent a more significant number of changes than on the untreated side, although not by a significant amount. CONCLUSIONS: The use of diathermy, according to the authors, is a non-invasive approach that may speed up the orthodontic alignment phase and reduce treatment duration, resulting in a lower risk of caries, gingival recessions, root resorptions, and patient compliance improvement, without side effects. Further studies and an adequate sample size will be needed to confirm the findings.

Intralesional corticosteroids and diathermy ablation for the management of anogenital granulomatosis: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Anogenital granulomatosis (AGG) is a rare, chronic condition that presents as progressive inflammation and lymphoedema of the anogenital region in both male and female patients. No guidelines exist for the management of AGG. Systemic immunosuppressants are the current cornerstone of medical therapy for AGG, but results from case series with small numbers of patients have reported variable responses. AIM: To investigate whether intralesional corticosteroid injections with or without diathermy ablation (ILC +/- DA) would provide effective control of symptoms over a 6-month period in patients diagnosed with AGG. METHODS: This retrospective observational cohort study enrolled 11 patients with AGG consecutively treated with ILC +/- DA at a single centre. The primary outcome was defined as a statistically significant decrease in mean disease severity score, at both 1 and 6 months post-treatment. The secondary outcome was a statistically significant association between reduction in disease severity score at 6 months post-treatment and any potentially confounding factors. Wilcoxon sign-ranked tests and ordinal logistic regression analysis were applied to assess the data. Ancillary outcomes are also reported, including whether patients experienced adverse effects post-treatment and if patients experienced recurrence at any point beyond 6 months post-treatment. RESULTS: Compared with pretreatment disease severity scores, there was a statistically significant decrease in disease severity scores at both 1 and 6 months post-treatment (P = 0.01). No significant association was found between identified confounding factors and reduction in disease severity score at 6 months post-treatment. Of the 11 patients, 1 patient experienced an episode of cellulitis within 1 week of treatment. Five patients never experienced a recurrence of symptoms during a mean follow-up period of 28 months post-treatment, while all six patients who did experience recurrence of symptoms reported that when the symptoms returned, at a mean of 8 months post-treatment, they were milder than before the treatment. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate ILC +/- DA for patients with AGG. Our results indicate this could be an effective treatment for AGG. We would recommend comparative and longitudinal studies to further explore this treatment.

[Diathermy can cause deep burns after alcohol preparation or through direct contact]. / Alkoholbaserade tvättlösningar kan ge brännskador vid diatermi.

Around 36 000 people seek care in Sweden due to burns annually. This usually requires repeated wound care and in some case surgery. Iatrogenic burns are rare but may be deep. One cause could be preparation of a patient with alcohol before surgery, or direct skin contact with a diathermic probe. In this case series we present two patients with this type of burns. These cases highlight the potential harm toward the patient, and it is important to have clear guidelines and take precautions when performing a diathermy.

Fine-needle diathermy for corneal vascularisation.

Background: Corneal angiogenesis occurs as a sequel to an insult and it brings with it cells that mediate immunity as well as repair and aids in flushing toxins out. These vessels are formed in haste and leak lipid and cells, ultimately resulting in loss of transparency, lipid keratopathy and immunogenicity. So, they may need treatment prior to an optical keratoplasty. Purpose: To demonstrate the procedure of Fine Needle Diathermy (FND) to treat corneal neovascularization, its indications and contraindications. Synopsis: FND uses coagulating current from a monopolar cautery unit to occlude the afferent and efferent blood vessels. FND works best at the stage of mature vessel formation. The needle is placed across a tuft of vessels or parallel to a single large vessel, being mindful of the depth and direction. FND is avoided in necrotic tissue where the blood vessel is needed for healing process. Occlusion of the vessel in these situations may result in tissue melt. Highlights: Corneal neovascularization follows the stages of latent phase, active neovascularization, mature vessel formation and then regression. The treatment modality depends on the stage of angiogenesis. FND works best for neovascularization due to infectious keratitis. Keratoplasty is best performed 3 to 4 months later when regression of corneal vascularization occurs. Video Link: https://youtu.be/2RK6d_a2Gdc.

Effects of Non-Invasive Radiofrequency Diathermy in Pelvic Floor Disorders: A Systematic Review.

Background and Objectives: In recent years, the use of radiofrequency diathermy in pelvic floor disorders has grown proportionally to the interest in this specialty. Despite the common use of this therapy among pelvic floor physiotherapists, little is known about its effects and effectiveness in pelvic floor disorders. For this reason, the aim of the present review is to assess the effects of non-invasive 300 kHz-1 MHz radiofrequency diathermy in the treatment of pelvic floor disorders. Materials and Methods: A literature search was performed in PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science, searching for any type of study that included pelvic floor disorder participants and an experimental group treated with non-invasive nor ablative radiofrequency diathermy. Results: There were a total of 578 studies after removing duplicates. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, resulting in a total of 15 studies, which were methodologically assessed with PEDro and the Newcastle and Ottawa scale. Conclusions: Despite the low quality of most of them, the studies showed improvements in urinary incontinence, pelvic pain conditions, pelvic floor muscles strength and sexual function. These findings must be considered with caution until more randomized clinical trials are performed to solve the biases detected.

Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Oxidant Activity of Ultra-Short Wave Diathermy on LPS-Induced Rat Lung Injury.

We studied the lung-protective effect and mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of ultra-short-wave diathermy (USWD) in a rat model of LPS-induced acute lung injury. Histological examination of the lung tissues was performed and the levels of oxidative stress-related factors and inflammatory cytokines were measured. It was shown that the lung injury score, the lung wet-to-dry weight ratio (W/D), oxidative stress-related factors malondialdehyde and acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4), and inflammatory cytokines were increased after LPS administration, while USWD treatment reduced these parameters. In addition, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase 4 were decreased in rats with LPS-induced acute lung injury, while USWD therapy up-regulated the expression of these enzymes. Thus, USWD could antagonize lung injury by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammatory response in rats with acute lung injury. USWD can be a promising adjunctive treatment to counter oxidative stress and inflammation and a potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of patients with this pathology.

Um estudo randomizado controlado sobre a eficácia da diatermia de ondas longas na dor, incapacidade e amplitude de movimento em pacientes com dor cervical / A randomized controlled trial on the efficacy of longwave diathermy on pain, disability and range of motion in the patients with neck pain

INTRODUÇÃO: A cervicalgia é uma importante causa de incapacidade em todo o mundo, causada por várias condições como doenças de base, anormalidades mecânicas e neuropáticas. A Diatermia por Ondas Longas (LWD) é uma modalidade de aquecimento terapêutico usada para tratar muitas condições musculoesqueléticas. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a eficácia da LWD na dor, incapacidade e amplitude de movimento (ADM) na dor no pescoço. MÉTODOS E MATERIAIS: O estudo foi conduzido após aprovação ética da universidade e registro em registro de ensaio clínico (PTY/2022/155 e CTRI/2022/06/043033). 30 pacientes com cervicalgia de 20-60 anos foram alocados aleatoriamente em dois grupos. O grupo controle (n=15) realizou exercícios domiciliares simples, enquanto no grupo experimental (n=15) a diatermia de ondas longas também foi administrada juntamente com exercícios domiciliares, 3 vezes/semana por 2 semanas. As medidas de resultado, como a escala visual analógica (EVA), índice de incapacidade do pescoço (IIP) e amplitude de movimento do pescoço, foram avaliadas na linha de base, no final de 2 semanas (pós-tratamento) e após um acompanhamento de 2 semanas. RESULTADOS E CONCLUSÃO: Houve melhora significativa da dor, incapacidade e ADM pós-intervenção no grupo controle e no grupo experimental. Além disso, houve diferença significativa na dor após o acompanhamento em ambos os grupos. A comparação entre os grupos sugeriu que houve uma diferença significativa para EVA, IIPe ADM de extensão do pescoço (p<0,05), mas não para ADM em outras direções. Portanto, pode-se concluir que a LWD é uma intervenção terapêutica eficaz para melhorar a dor, a incapacidade do pescoço e a amplitude de movimento do pescoço, juntamente com exercícios de pescoço em pacientes com dor no pescoço.

INTRODUCTION: Neck pain is a significant cause of disability worldwide, caused by various conditions like underlying diseases, mechanical and neuropathic abnormalities. Longwave Diathermy (LWD) is a therapeutic heating modality used to treat many musculoskeletal conditions. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of LWD on pain, disability, and range of motion (ROM) in neck pain. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The study was conducted after ethical approval from the university and registration in clinical trial registry (PTY/2022/155 & CTRI/2022/06/043033). Thirty patients with neck pain of 20-60 years were randomly allocated into two groups. The control group (n=15) performed simple home-based exercises, while in the experimental group (n=15) longwave diathermy was also given along with home exercises, 3 times/week for 2 weeks. The outcome measures like the Visual analogue scale (VAS), neck disability index (NDI), and Neck range of motion were assessed at baseline, at the end of 2 weeks (post-treatment), and after a followup of 2 weeks. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: There was a significant improvement in pain, disability, and ROM post-intervention in the control group and experimental group. Additionally, there was a significant difference in pain after follow-up in both groups. The between-group comparison suggested that there was a significant difference for VAS, NDI, and neck extension ROM (p<0.05) but not for ROM in other directions. Therefore, it can be concluded that LWD is an effective therapeutic intervention for improving pain, neck disability, and neck range of motion along with neck exercises in patients with neck pain.

Efficacy and safety of short-wave diathermy treatment for moderate COVID-19 patients: a prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled clinical study.

BACKGROUND: Millions of human beings have suffered in the epidemic of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but until now the effective treatment methods have been limited. AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of short-wave diathermy (SWD) treatment for moderate COVID-19 patients. DESIGN: A prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled clinical study. SETTING: Inpatients Unit of a COVID-19 specialized hospital. POPULATION: Forty-two patients with moderate COVID-19 were randomly allocated at a 2:1 ratio to two groups: the SWD group and the control group. METHODS: Participants of the SWD group received SWD treatment, and participants of the control group received placebo SWD treatment for one session per day, 10 minutes per session, for no more than 14 days. Both groups were given standard care treatment. Primary outcome was the rate of clinical improvement according to a seven-category ordinal scale. Secondary outcomes included the rate of computed tomography (CT) improvement and the rate of potential adverse events. RESULTS: Clinical improvement occurred in 92.6% of patients in the SWD group by day 14 compared with 69.2% of patients in the control group (P=0.001). The Cox model indicated that the SWD group had a higher clinical improvement probability than the control group (hazard ratio: 3.045; 95% CI: 1.391-6.666; P=0.005). Similarly, CT improvement occurred in 85.2% of patients in the SWD group and 46.2% of patients in the control group respectively by day 14 (P=0.001). The Cox model indicated SWD group had a higher CT improvement probability than control group (hazard ratio: 3.720; 95% CI: 1.486-9.311; P=0.005). There was no significant difference in adverse events between the SWD group and the control group (2 of 27 [7.4%] SWD vs. 1 of 13 [7.7%] control, P=1.000), the most frequent of which were headache (1 of 27 [3.7%] SWD vs. 1 of 13 [7.7%] control patients) and dizziness (1 of 27 [3.7%] SWD vs. 0 of 13 [0%] control patients). CONCLUSIONS: SWD is a valid and reliable adjuvant therapy with a favorable safety profile for moderate COVID-19 patients. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: Clinically relevant information is lacking regarding the efficacy and safety of SWD for patients with COVID-19. This study provides the first evidence that SWD is a promising adjuvant therapy for COVID-19.