Thermal energy

Abstract

This issue of Clinics in Sports Medicine was conceived as a result of multiple discussions with my peers around the country and inquiries by past and present sports fellows. The basic concept of thermal energy in orthopedic surgery is not new, dating back to Hippocrates. The application of thermal energy in this century has expanded dramatically. Unfortunately, the clinical use of this energy has preceded the basic science research. There are only a few basic science studies and even fewer clinical outcome studies to condone or condemn these produces. One only has to attend a national meeting to see the debates and controversy elicited by this topic.When these nationally known authors were contacted about writing articles for this issue, they routinely mentioned that there was limited information available. Their sections would have to be based on current reviews and their own clinical experience. They have all done a superb job in assimilating and extracting useful information for the practicing clinician. Although the basic science articles seem to be straightforward, there is still significant controversy concerning staining techniques and the significance of the results. The articles on clinical techniques and outcomes are all relatively short term, and as such, the reader needs to be cognizant to the fact that longer-term studies need to be done.Whereas the main goal of this issue is to educate the reader about thermal energy and its application in the shoulder, knee, ankle, and wrist, another goal is to increase the interest in the topic to promote more research. Controversy is always good in stimulating knowledge. If this issue of Clinics in Sports Medicine has achieved that, then one of the goals has been accomplished.I would like to thank all of the authors for their time, help, and experience in creating this issue. I am sure that the debates about thermal energy will continue beyond what has been presented. I look forward to more discussions with my peers and fellows. This issue of Clinics in Sports Medicine was conceived as a result of multiple discussions with my peers around the country and inquiries by past and present sports fellows. The basic concept of thermal energy in orthopedic surgery is not new, dating back to Hippocrates. The application of thermal energy in this century has expanded dramatically. Unfortunately, the clinical use of this energy has preceded the basic science research. There are only a few basic science studies and even fewer clinical outcome studies to condone or condemn these produces. One only has to attend a national meeting to see the debates and controversy elicited by this topic. When these nationally known authors were contacted about writing articles for this issue, they routinely mentioned that there was limited information available. Their sections would have to be based on current reviews and their own clinical experience. They have all done a superb job in assimilating and extracting useful information for the practicing clinician. Although the basic science articles seem to be straightforward, there is still significant controversy concerning staining techniques and the significance of the results. The articles on clinical techniques and outcomes are all relatively short term, and as such, the reader needs to be cognizant to the fact that longer-term studies need to be done. Whereas the main goal of this issue is to educate the reader about thermal energy and its application in the shoulder, knee, ankle, and wrist, another goal is to increase the interest in the topic to promote more research. Controversy is always good in stimulating knowledge. If this issue of Clinics in Sports Medicine has achieved that, then one of the goals has been accomplished. I would like to thank all of the authors for their time, help, and experience in creating this issue. I am sure that the debates about thermal energy will continue beyond what has been presented. I look forward to more discussions with my peers and fellows.