Coblation is supposed to enhance healing due to increasing vascularity in the degenerated tendon. In the present study the effect of coblation treatment on tendon degeneration was investigated.

A total of 32 New Zealand rabbit were enrolled in the current study. Experimental degeneration was performed by injecting prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) to bilateral achilles tendons of rabbits. Four rabbits were excluded by different reasons. Coblation and control groups were composed of 12 rabbits in each. Coblation device only touched to tendon in the control group whereas in the coblation group coblation treatment was performed through 2 cm segment to form grids with 0.5 mm apart with level four energy lasted for 500 ms. 6 rabbits in control and coblation groups were sacrificed in 6th and 12th weeks. Achilles tendons were evaluated histopathologically by modified Movin scale and immunohistopathologic examination was performed using vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and type 4 collagen.

After injection of PGE1, findings similiar to chronic tendinosis were revealed. Coblation group revealed significant increment in vascularity with histopathological and immunohistochemical examination. However difference regarding healing of tendon degeneration was not significant between control and coblation group.

Coblation treatment increases vascularity in degenerated tendon, but doesn’t increase healing process.