Jesús Rodriguez Lastra
University of Carabobo, Venezuela
Title: Uses of radiofrequency in skin ulcers, and diabetic foot
Biography
Biography: Jesús Rodriguez Lastra
Abstract
Introduction: There is evidence that electromagnetic stimulation can result in a greater reduction of the surface area with more complete healing of stage II to IV ulcers.
Methodology: We studied 36 patients, 21 women and 15 men, who presented ulcers in the lower limbs. Nine men and 15 women had diabetes mellitus. The thickness of the skin of the leg was measured with ultrasonography and the temperature with thermographic camera.
Results: A CAPENERGY C200 Tecartherapy device was used. A total of 10 sessions were applied at a frequency of one/week with a power of 60% and a frequency of 1.2 MHz for 30 minutes. The edema, observed in 34 patients in the region of the lower extremity, disappeared in 26 of the 36 patients (Wilcoxon p=0.003). This result was confirmed by the 0.4 mm decrease in subcutaneous cell thickness (Friedman's test p=0.000). The temperature before and after was increased by an average of 1.4°C (Wilcoxon p=0.000).
Discussion: The use of radiofrequency in the treatment of ulcers in diabetic and non-diabetic patients is beneficial. An important characteristic is that it is not invasive, it is not painful, it is well tolerated and the results are evident, the injury improves and the quality of life.
Conclusion: The greater speed in healing can be explained by the anti-inflammatory effect due to the changes in the coagulation and anticoagulation systems, the improvement of the microcirculation, together with better response of the immune system.