title: Electrothermal chondroplasty--bipolar.
abstract: The use of bRF for the debridement of degenerative AC appears safe and at least as effective as mechanical debridement. The benefit of a residual smooth surface, improved surgical access, and minimal collateral damage makes its use on AC attractive. As with any surgical cutting device, improper use, such as prolonged exposure on AC, may cause significant damage. Much research still needs to be done, especially with regards to ideal power setting and the mechanical alterations to AC that occur as a result of its use.
authors.affiliation: UHZ Sports Medicine Institute, 1150 Campo Sano Avenue, Suite 200, Coral Gables, Florida 33146, USA. juribe@uhzsmi.com
authors.forename: John W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Uribe
mesh_terms: D002356:Cartilage / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000379:methods*; D003646:Debridement / Q000379:methods; D004598:Electrosurgery / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000379:methods