Abstract
BackgroundThe application of radiofrequency energy (RFE) has become widespread for surgical performed chondroplasty especially due to the anticipated sealing effect, however the safety of this procedure in the wrist remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the subchondral temperature during radiofrequency energy (RFE) application simulating chondroplasty in an arthroscopic setting of the wrist.MethodsA chondroplasty of the lunate fossa was performed during an arthroscopy setting on 14 cadaver arms using monopolar or biopolar RFE. The temperature was recorded simultaneously from 7 predefined anatomical landmarks.ResultsThe mean temperature for both application modes did not exceed more than 30°C at all measured points, except for the lunate fossa. The highest subchondral measured peak temperature was 49.35°C (monopolar) and 69.21°C (bipolar) in the lunate fossa. In addition, the temperature decreased for both radiofrequency (RF) devices depending on the distance of the sensors to the RF-probe.ConclusionIt remains to be questionable how safe RFE can be used for chondroplasty in wrist arthroscopy under continuous irrigation and constant movement to obtain the desired sealing effect. However, the bipolar device should be applied with more caution since peak temperature in the lunate fossa almost reached 70°C even under continuous irrigation.
Highlights
The application of radiofrequency energy (RFE) has become widespread for surgical performed chondroplasty especially due to the anticipated sealing effect, the safety of this procedure in the wrist remains unclear
The application of bipolar RFE over 45 seconds significantly increased the mean temperature at all Temperature sensing elements (TSE) (p ≤ 0.002; Spearman’s rho coefficient > 0.4)
After bipolar radiofrequency energy (bRFE) for 45 seconds a plateau-like curve was detected at the lunate fossa followed by a decrement under 30°C
Summary
The application of radiofrequency energy (RFE) has become widespread for surgical performed chondroplasty especially due to the anticipated sealing effect, the safety of this procedure in the wrist remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the subchondral temperature during radiofrequency energy (RFE) application simulating chondroplasty in an arthroscopic setting of the wrist. Chrondoplasty is used with the intent to terminate or at least to decelerate the degradation of the fibrillated articular cartilage by Turner et al demonstrated in a sheep animal model for the first time, that bipolar radiofrequency energy (bRFE) might be superior to conventional mechanical shaving (MS) for the treatment of chondromalacic cartilage based on histological criteria. Edwards et al demonstrated in an equine patella model that RFE for cartilage surface smoothing is superior
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
