Evaluation of Microwave Diathermy Effect on Equine Flexor Tendons: A Preliminary Study

Artificially induced tendinitis animal models are crucial to guarantee the significance and applicability of the study output. Herein, we propose that increasing tendon temperature could be a good model that is capable to mimic the clinically introduced tendinitis cases. Microwave radiofrequency radiation is one of the techniques used clinically to increase the heat of tissue situated superficial in the body. The aim of this study is to investigate the thermal effect of the microwave beam on the flexor tendons at the metacarpal/metatarsal region of donkey’s cadaver. Twelve hindlimb and twelve forelimb were obtained from six cadaveric donkeys were exposed to different microwave setting 30W/30min, 30W/15min, 25W/30 min, 25W/15min, 20W/30min and 20W/15min. The temperatures were recorded after each microwave session using a sensitive thermometer. Our results revealed a highly significant effect on temperature output between different watt setting and time at all the anatomical sites. Using of 30W/30min setting resulted in significantly higher temperature which estimated by 53.5±0.6, 47.5±0.6 and 45.5±0.6 Co at the following areas skin/superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT), SDFT/ deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) and DDFT/ Check ligament (CKL) respectively. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that increasing the exposure time is more effective in increasing the local temperature than increasing power exposure. In conclusion, the microwave diathermy can provide temperature gradient on flexor tendons that mimic that occurring during over exercise.