EFFECTS OF ELECTRIC STIMULATION ON THE HEALING OF TENDON OF THE GASTROCNEMIUS MUSCLE IN RABBITS (Oryctolagus cunicullus)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of transcutaneous electrical stimulation with alternate electrical current on gastrocnemius muscle tendon healing, in rabbits submitted to experimental tenotomy and tenorrhaphy. Twenty-four male rabbits, New Zealand breed, were divided into four groups of the same number, in order to evaluate the cicatricial tendon repair at 7, 15, 21 and 30 days post-surgery. The middle third of the tendon of the gastocnemius muscle was sectioned transversall and submitted to a synthesis with Kessler modified suture. After 24 hours, daily at the same schedule, were done near the cutaneous wound of the right pelvic member, applications of 2 mA of alternative current, during six minutes, at a frequence of 100 Hz. The material collected was examined by light microscopy. Significant difference wasn´t found between the treated member and the control. Transcutaneous electrotherapy was used in our experimental protocol, despite not leading to tissue damage and being less invasive in comparison to other methods, was incapable to promote a more efficient healing response on the gastrocnemius muscle tendon repair in rabbits.

KEY WORDS: Achilles tendon, electrotherapy, surgery, tenotomy, tissue repair.