Radiofrequency is a well-known technology. A myriad of basic science and clinical papers have been published supporting its mechanism of action and clinical effectiveness for conditions of the tendons and ligaments. The AT2™ System is a novel, highly innovative technology used in treating these conditions without the need for a surgical procedure. The following abstracts should provide the clinician with the background needed to understand the benefits of RelēF™ Technology. Please click on the title to read the abstract.

1.      Alfredson, H.; Ohberg, L.; and Forsgren, S.: Is vasculo-neural ingrowth the cause of pain in chronic Achilles tendinosis? An investigation using ultrasonography and colour Doppler, immunohistochemistry, and diagnostic injections. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc, 11(5): 334-8, 2003.

2.      Alfredson, H.; Pietila, T.; Jonsson, P.; and Lorentzon, R.: Heavy-load eccentric calf muscle training for the treatment of chronic Achilles tendinosis. Am J Sports Med, 26(3): 360-6, 1998.

3.      Almekinders, L. C.: Tendinitis and other chronic tendinopathies. J Am Acad Orthop Surg, 6(3): 157-64, 1998.

4.      Budoff, J. E.; Kraushaar, B. S.; and Ayala, G.: Flexor carpi ulnaris tendinopathy. J Hand Surg [Am], 30(1): 125-9, 2005.

5.      Diamantis, T.; Kontos, M.; Arvelakis, A.; Syroukis, S.; Koronarchis, D.; Papalois, A.; Agapitos, E.; Bastounis, E.; and Lazaris, A. C.: Comparison of monopolar electrocoagulation, bipolar electrocoagulation, Ultracision, and Ligasure. Surg Today, 36(10): 908-13, 2006.

6.      Dunn, J. H.; Kim, J. J.; Davis, L.; and Nirschl, R. P.: Ten- to 14-year follow-up of the Nirschl surgical technique for lateral epicondylitis. Am J Sports Med, 36(2): 261-6, 2008.

7.      England, L; Egbert, B; and Pope, K.: Wound healing in an animal model following Thermage treatment. Wound Repair and Generation. 2005; 13(2):A28-A48.

8.      Kraushaar, B. S., and Nirschl, R. P.: Tendinosis of the elbow (tennis elbow). Clinical features and findings of histological, immunohistochemical, and electron microscopy studies. J Bone Joint Surg Am, 81(2): 259-78, 1999. (No abstract available, reprints available upon request.)

9.      Lemont, H.; Ammirati, K. M.; and Usen, N.: Plantar fasciitis: a degenerative process (fasciosis) without inflammation. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc, 93(3): 234-7, 2003.

10.    Meknas, K.; Odden-Miland, A.; Mercer, J. B.; Castillejo, M.; and Johansen, O.: Radiofrequency microtenotomy: a promising method for treatment of recalcitrant lateral epicondylitis. Am J Sports Med, 36(10): 1960-5, 2008.

11.    Nirschl, R. P.: Elbow tendinosis/tennis elbow. Clin Sports Med, 11(4): 851-70, 1992.

12.    Ochiai, N.; Tasto, J. P.; Ohtori, S.; Takahashi, N.; Moriya, H.; and Amiel, D.: Nerve regeneration after radiofrequency application. Am J Sports Med, 35(11): 1940-4, 2007.

13.    Takahashi, N.; Tasto, J. P.; Ritter, M.; Ochiai, N.; Ohtori, S.; Moriya, H.; and Amiel, D.: Pain relief through an antinociceptive effect after radiofrequency application. Am J Sports Med, 35(5): 805-10, 2007.

14.    Tasto, J. P.; Cummings, J.; Medlock, V.; Hardesty, R.; and Amiel, D.: Microtenotomy Using a Radiofrequency Probe to Treat Lateral Epicondylitis Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic & Related Surgery, 21(7): 851-860, 2005.

15.    Weil, L. J. R.; Glover, J. P.; and Weil, L. S. S. R.: A New Minimally Invasive Technique for Treating Plantar Fasciosis Using Bipolar Radiofrequency: A Prospective Analysis. Foot & Ankle Specialist, 1(1): 13-18, 2008.

16.    Weinstein, R. N.; Kraushaar, B. S.; and Fulkerson, J. P.: Adductor tendinosis in a professional hockey player. Orthopedics, 21(7): 809-10, 1998. (No abstract available. Please visit: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9672919?dopt=Citation)

17.    Silver, W. P.; Creighton, R. A.; Triantafillopoulos, I. K.; Devkota, A. C.; Weinhold, P. S.; and Karas, S. G.: Thermal microdebridement does not affect the time zero biomechanical properties of human patellar tendons. Am J Sports Med, 32(8): 1946-52, 2004.

18.    Tasto., J. P.; Amiel., D.; and Medlock., V.: Radiofrequency Microdebridement: A Novel Treatment Option for Tendinopathies. Edited, San Diego, CA, 2007.

19.    Provenzano, P. P.; Heisey, D.; Hayashi, K.; Lakes, R.; and Vanderby, R., Jr.: Subfailure damage in ligament: a structural and cellular evaluation. J Appl Physiol, 92(1): 362-71, 2002.

20.    Lopez, M. J., and Markel, M. D.: Monopolar radiofrequency energy application to the dorsal extensor tendon apparatus in a canine model of tendon injury. J Hand Surg [Am], 31(8): 1296-302, 2006.

21.    Arnoczky SP, Aksan A.: Thermal modification of connective tissues: basic science considerations and clinical implications. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2000;8(5):305-313.

22.    Coons DA, Barber FA.: Thermal medial retinaculum shrinkage and lateral release for the treatment of recurrent patellar instability. Arthroscopy. 2006;22(2):166-171.

23.    Darlis NA, Weiser RW, Sotereanos DG: Partial scapholunate ligament injuries treated with arthroscopic debridement and thermal shrinkage. The Journal of hand surgery. 2005;30(5):908-914.

24.    Hill AM, Jones IT, Hansen U, Suri A, Sandison A, Moss J, Wallace AL: Treatment of ligament laxity by electrothermal shrinkage or surgical plication: A morphologic and mechanical comparison. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2006.

25.    Lu Y, Hayashi K, Edwards RB, 3rd, Fanton GS, Thabit G, 3rd, Markel MD: The effect of monopolar radiofrequency treatment pattern on joint capsular healing. In vitro and in vivo studies using an ovine model. The American journal of sports medicine. 2000;28(5):711-719.

26.    Oloff LM, Bocko AP, Fanton G.: Arthroscopic monopolar radiofrequency thermal stabilization for chronic lateral ankle instability: a preliminary report on 10 cases. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2000;39(3):144-153.

27.    Wall MS, Deng XH, Torzilli PA, Doty SB, O'Brien SJ, Warren RF: Thermal modification of collagen. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 1999;8(4):339-344.

28.    Weiss RA, Weiss MA, Munavalli G, Beasley KL: Monopolar radiofrequency facial tightening: a retrospective analysis of efficacy and safety in over 600 treatments. J Drugs Dermatol. 2006;5(8):707-712.