title: The effect of normal saline irrigation at different temperatures on the surface of articular cartilage: an experimental study in the rat.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Chi-Mei Foundation Medical Center, Yung Kang City, Tainan County, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Shun-Chien
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Cheng
authors.forename: I-Ming
authors.initials: IM
authors.lastname: Jou
authors.forename: Tai-Chang
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Chern
authors.forename: Ping-Hui
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Wen-Chau
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Chen
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D012965:Sodium Chloride