Interferential Current Therapy After Total Knee Arthroplasty

A total of 132 patients ranging in 60-85 years who were undergoing their first total knee arthroplasty due to knee OA were recruited into a randomized, double-blind, prospective and controlled study. Participants were recruited at the Orthopedics and Traumatology inpatient clinic. The patients were seen postoperative first day and were assigned to receive either interferential current or sham interferential current by block randomization. After the procedure was explained to each subject, interferential current treatment was applied 2 times for 5 days, each treatment was continued approximately 30 minutes. Four electrodes were used to deliver quadripolar interferential current Subjects were told that in order to produce an effect, the intensity of the stimulator must be maintained at a "strong but comfortable level" at all times. The sham interferential current treatment consisted of the placement of the same pads for the same time but no electrical stimulation was applied to the probes. At the same time, all patients received standard postoperatively rehabilitation program. Patients were assessed with pain, range of motion , edema and the amount of used paracetamol.

Inclusion criteria

•Patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty surgery

Exclusion criteria

• Patients who had experienced of any electrotherapy prior to the TKA to be sure blinding of therapy
• Patients who had history of any contraindication for electrotherapy
• Patients who had chronic pain rather than knee OA
• Patients who had experienced a known or suspected joint infection or a specific condition (ie, peripheral or central nervous system lesions, neoplasm, diabetes mellitus, osteonecrosis, recent trauma and pacemaker)
• Patients who had history of stroke, central nervous disease, mental impairment or poor general health status that would interfere with functional assessments during the study