title: The use of radiofrequency energy during arthroscopic surgery and its effects on intraarticular tissues.
abstract: The use of radiofrequency (RF) energy has become very popular in human and veterinary arthroscopic surgery since the late 1990s. Both monopolar and bipolar RF units are available. Application of RF energy to joint capsular tissue leads to immediate tissue shrinkage that is both power and temperature dependent. Changes in joint capsular tissue have been noted at temperatures greater than 65 degrees C. Treatment of articular cartilage with RF energy leads to immediate chondrocyte damage. This damage is also power and temperature dependent and is observed at temperatures as low as 45 degrees C. Caution should be used when applying RF energy within a joint to prevent or minimize articular cartilage injury.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi 39762, USA.
authors.forename: C L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Horstman
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: McLaughlin
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001182:Arthroscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods* / Q000662:veterinary; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000528:radiation effects* / Q000601:surgery; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000662:veterinary; D004598:Electrosurgery / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods* / Q000662:veterinary; D006358:Hot Temperature / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D017746:Joint Capsule / Q000528:radiation effects* / Q000601:surgery; D011846:Radio Waves / Q000009:adverse effects