The effects of electrotherapy(interferential current) on pain, edema, range of motion after total knee replacement surgery :Randomized double-blind study

Objective: In this double-blind randomized controlled study we aimed to investigate the effectiveness of interference current (IFC) implementation following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) surgery on pain, range of motion (ROM), quality of life, edema and the amount of used paracetamol (acetaminophen). Material and Method: 98 patients who had TKA surgery in our hospital were included in the study. Patients were randomized into IFC group (n=49) and sham IFC group (n=49). In addition both groups underwent the same rehabilitation programme and got cold pack. After surgery the patient was administered IFC, 2 times a day for 5 days for 30 minutes. Patients were assessed at days 0, 5 and 30th after surgery. Findings: Both groups had significant improvement at pain, ROM, edema over time (P<0,05). Only Short Form 36 (SF 36) physical role and mental health subscales did not show significant improvement over time (P>0,05). There wasn't any significant differences between groups in pain, ROM, edema, and quality of life at day 0, 5 and 30. But at the end of the 5th day the total amount of acetaminophen were significantly lower in IFC group (P<0,05). Conclusion: In this study both groups had significant improvement at pain, ROM, edema, quality of life but there wasn't any significant differences between groups. Only in IFC group need of paracetamol decreased significantly. But we still don't know which frequency is most suitable, how many times and how much minutes we need to use IFC in TKA patient at postoperative period. So in that area new stuidies are needed.