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Use of Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields for Postoperative Knee Pain

A Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study to Evaluate the Effect of Non-Invasive Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (PEMF) on Postoperative Pain Following Total Knee Arthroplasty

Status
UNKNOWN
Phases
Phase 2
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT01415856
Enrollment
40
Registered
2011-08-12
Start date
2010-10-31
Completion date
Unknown
Last updated
2011-08-12

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Osteoarthritis

Keywords

pulsed electromagnetic fields device, Torino II, postoperative knee pain, knee replacement

Brief summary

The purpose of this study is to determine whether the Torino II device, which emits a pulsed electromagnetic field), will help to decrease pain and swelling after knee replacement surgery, and thereby decrease the use of narcotic medications after surgery.

Detailed description

The investigators are conducting a research study to determine if the Torino II, a pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) device is helpful in reducing postoperative pain and swelling after total knee replacement surgery. Postoperative pain and swelling may cause discomfort that may directly influence functional recovery after surgery. By reducing pain and swelling immediately following surgery,the use of high doses of narcotic, NSAID, and Tyelenol pain killers can be reduced, and possibly avoided. Recovery can be maximized, as well. The PEMF device that is being used (the Torino II) is distributed by Ivivi Health Sciences, and has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of pain and swelling following surgery. The device is non-invasive, and is fixed onto the outside of the dressing with Velcro straps. The device will give off electromagnetic pulses to target pain relief in the knee. PEMF devices have been in clinical use for decades, and to date, no reported side effects have occurred. It is important to note that treatment will still follow the standard Meritus Medical Center protocol for knee replacement surgery. This includes pain medication, icing, and physical therapy. This standard protocol will be followed no matter what study group patients are assigned to. Participation in this study or lack thereof will not change the treatment protocol.

Interventions

DEVICEActive Device (Torino II)

Device is giving treatment for 15 minutes every 2 hours for a total of two weeks.

DEVICESham Device (Torino II)

Device is designed to appear to be giving treatment when it is not actually giving treatment. Patients will wear this for a duration of two weeks.

Sponsors

Center for Joint Surgery and Sports Medicine, Maryland
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE (Subject, Caregiver, Investigator)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* Age: greater than 18 years * Weight: less than 300 lbs. * Diagnosis: osteoarthritis * Type of Surgery: unilateral knee replacement

Exclusion criteria

* No pacemaker or defibrillator. * No infection of the affected knee. * No previous open surgery of the affected knee. * No history of Rheumatoid Arthritis. * No more than 2 narcotic pills per month in the last 6 months for pain.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Pain2 weeksPain is measured on a scale of 0-10, which is the VAS scale used by most hospitals, including Meritus Medical Center. 0 indicates no pain, while 10 indicates the worst pain possible.
Edema (Swelling)2 weeksSwelling will be measured by using a disposable tape measure to measure the circumference of the patient's knee at the mid-patellar region. This will be measured in millimeters.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Narcotic Pain Medications2 weeksPatients will record their use of pain and anti-inflammatory medications.
Range of Motion2 weeksPatient range of motion in degrees will be measured, for flexion and extension.

Countries

United States

Contacts

Primary ContactRalph T Salvagno, MD
ralphs@hipknee.com301-665-4575

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026