Effects of Prednisone and Ibuprofen on Radio Frequency Volume Tissue Reduction in a Rabbit Model

Abstract

This study investigates whether acute anti-inflammatory medications (prednisone and ibuprofen) alter muscle volumetric reduction following radio frequency tissue ablation (RFTA). We used a rabbit model to measure changes in leg muscle volume using serial magnetic resonance imaging in 3 groups: RFTA without medication (group 1), RFTA with prednisone and ibuprofen (group 2), and no RFTA or medication (group 3). The mean volumetric changes for groups 1 and 2 differed on days 1 and 7 (+0.5 cm³ versus −0.4 cm³, p < .0001; and −0.03 cm³ versus −0.7 cm³, p < .05), but not on day 28 (−0.8 cm³ versus −1.0 cm³, not significant). Group 3 had no change in volume. The volumetric reduction varied. Impaired volumetric reduction (<50% mean change) occurred in 30% of extremities and correlated to lower tissue impedance (p < .04). Combined steroidal and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications did decrease acute edema, but not the final volumetric reduction, following RFTA. Volumetric changes are variable and may be altered by tissue impedance.