The effect of normal saline irrigation at different temperatures on the surface of articular cartilage: an experimental study in the rat.
OBJECTIVE
To determine, with an electron microscope, the effects of irrigation fluid at different temperatures on the surface of articular cartilage. TYPE OD STUDY: Experimental in vivo study.


METHODS
With a scanning electron microscope, we investigated the effect of 2 hours of irrigation with normal saline at 3 different temperatures (4 degrees C, 25 degrees C, and 37 degrees C) on articular hyaline cartilage in an in vivo rat knee model study. The contralateral knees were used as controls. We then compared the results.


RESULTS
Specimens irrigated with cold (4 degrees C) fluid seemed to show the most uneven surface and apparent fibril exposure. Those irrigated with fluid close to body temperature (37 degrees C) showed the most even surface without fibril exposure.


CONCLUSIONS
Although further work is needed to evaluate the long-term effects, using warm irrigation fluid to maintain the intra-articular environment at a more physiologically normal temperature may help reduce damage to cartilage during irrigation.
Cheng
Shun-Chien
SC
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Chi-Mei Foundation Medical Center, Yung Kang City, Tainan County, Taiwan.
Jou
I-Ming
IM
Chern
Tai-Chang
TC
Wang
Ping-Hui
PH
Chen
Wen-Chau
WC
D000818:Animals; D001182:Arthroscopy / Q000379:methods*; D001831:Body Temperature; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D010329:Patella / Q000648:ultrastructure; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D012965:Sodium Chloride / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D013499:Surface Properties; D013696:Temperature; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation / Q000379:methods; D013817:Thermography
D012965:Sodium Chloride