Much work has been performed to show the functional benefits of the use of ultrasound therapy, but little has been done to investigate a mechanism by which this may occur. Using histological methods, we intend to investigate the structure of repairing tissue and how the ultrasonic therapy may influence this structure. Our emphasis is directed towards collagen as it is the primary structural component of repairing tendons. Collagen is not an inert structure, rather is constantly being laid and replaced, so it is not unreasonable to expect that ultrasonic therapy will influence the construction, absorption, and overall structure of the healing tissue.
Our study is concerned with a comparison of both density and orientation of fibre patterns in animals that have been treated with ultrasound and those which have not and attempt to draw a parallel between the treatment and manifestation of the healed tissue.
By a process of controlled damage to the Achilles tendon of the rat and repair with and without ultrasound therapy, we will apply appropriate histological methods, we will attempt to make judgements and produce photographic evidence or the effect of the treatment with respect to collagen fibre density and orientation at the light microscope level.
Grant Value: $400
Chief Investigator: Dr David O’Connor – Macquarie University
Status: Complete
Outcomes:
No outcomes sourced at this time