Use of Interferential Current (IFC) Therapy After Total Knee Arthroplasty (IFC)

The Effect of Short Term Patient Outcomes With the Use of Interferential Current Therapy After Total Knee Arthroplasty

Interferential Current Therapy (IFC) is a form of electrical therapy that utilizes two simultaneous low frequency electrical stimulation which when they cross interfere with one another resulting in an interference or beat frequency. This beat frequency provides a therapeutic area of relief by blocking painful stimuli at the area of interest. IFC is different from the other electrical treatment modalities used because the cancellation effect allows for establishment of the treatment area to be in the deeper tissues of the body, whereas other electrical modalities can only be used to treat superficial body parts that lie just under the skin. The main objective of this proposed study is to assess the post-operative short term outcomes of the patients who receive IFC treatment during their post-total knee arthroplasty (TKA) surgery hospital stay. The implications of the study would be improved patient outcome which could result in shorter hospital stay, reduced use of opioid medication, decreased need for manipulation under anesthesia and reduced re-admission rate.

The IFC treatment will be used for 30 minutes, twice a day for two days after the total knee arthroplasty

One set of device is programmed to be used as Placebo, the subject will feel the vibration but will not receive a therapeutic signal.

Post-operative opioid pain medication usage was assessed by tabulating opioid use during the hospital stay after Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) as determined by median morphine milligram equivalents (MME).

Post-operative opioid pain medication usage was assessed by tabulating opioid use during the hospital stay after Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) as determined by median MME (morphine milligram equivalents).

VAS asks a patient to mark a place on a scale that aligns with their level of pain smiley face 0=No pain - sad face 10=worst pain

VAS asks a patient to mark a place on a scale that aligns with their level of pain smiley face 0=No pain - sad face 10=worst pain

Inclusion Criteria:Adult patients with knee osteoarthritis who have failed conservative therapy and undergoing elected TKA. - Exclusion Criteria: i. <18 years old ii. Any patient with pacemaker or any electrical stimulator device iii. Patients without capacity to consent for the study iv. Patients not able to have local nerve block or spinal anesthesia v. Patients with prior chronic opioid use vi. Patients who are categorized to have 'Severe' fear and anxiety responses to pain, according to the Pain catastrophizing scale (PCS) survey.