Objective: Radiofrequency (RF) shrinkage is used in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The present study investigated the therapeutic effects of RF on ACL relaxation and the probable influencing factors.
Methods: Patients with ACL relaxation were included. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: a treatment group, in which patients were treated with RF shrinkage (RF group); a control group, in which patients received conventional surgical treatment. Thermal shrinkage was performed on ACL using an ArthroCare® CAPSure® wand. Lysholm scores, proprioceptive testing and Tegner activity scores were evaluated before and after treatment (at 6 and 12 months).
Results: A total of 38 patients were included. The mean ± SD Lysholm score of those in the RF group at 12 months' post-treatment was significantly higher than in controls. The angle of deviation of the knee joint in RF group was significantly larger than in the control group at 6 months' post-treatment.
Conclusions: RF shrinkage treatment for ACL laxity could improve knee scores, and may affect proprioception and recovery of activity after surgery.
Keywords: ACL; Radiofrequency; anterior cruciate ligament; laxity; proprioception; shrinkage.