Investigation of Effect of Ultrasound (Lipus) Therapy on Healing in Achilles Tendinopathy Model Created by Type 1 Collagenase

Abstract

Aim: There is a significant rate of outpatient consultations for tendinopathy symptoms nowadays. With the increase in daily pace, conservative treatments that can expedite recuperation have become more important. In the present study, we examined how low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) affected healing in rats in a model of tendinopathy induced by type 1 collagenase. Method: The research was conducted on 69 Wistar albino female rats with bilateral Achilles tendinopathy. Following modeling, LIPUS therapy was initiated in eight groups at 1, 7, and 15 days. Treatment was extended for one and two weeks. Achilles tendons were removed from the treatment and control groups on the 15th, 21st, 30th, and 45th days for biomechanical and pathologic examination. PRISMA guidelines were adhered to during the planning stages of our study. Results: In comparison to the control groups, LIPUS treatment administered in the first days of the proliferation phase increased tensile strength by approximately 30%, modulus of elasticity by approximately 53%, a fibrillar appearance by approximately 53%, and inflammation by approximately 53-33% in a lesser time. It was also demonstrated that starting treatment in the first days of the proliferation phase resulted in comparable success even with 1-week treatment compared to 2-week treatment. Conclusions: The use of LIPUS in the treatment of tendinopathy yielded positive results. Its capacity to shorten recuperation time has piqued the interest of conservative treatment approaches. As a result, more clinical research is required. Keywords: Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound, rat, collagenase type 1, tendinopathy