The acute effects of radiofrequency energy in articular cartilage: An in vitro study

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the acute effect of radi ofrequency (RF) energy on articular cartilage. Six fresh human articular ca rtilage specimens were obtained from patients undergoing total knee arthrop lasty for unicompartmental osteoarthritis, A jig was used as the RF-energy was delivered to 2 designated treatment areas. These areas included a norma l and a diseased area of articular cartilage tested at 3 voltage settings ( kilohertz per voltage root mean square), 133 to 147 (setting 2), 161 to 179 (setting 4), and 190 to 210 (setting 6) for 3 seconds. The designated test ing areas were marked with tissue dye and processed using standard histolog ical techniques. A scalloped concave excavation with a smooth surface remai ns at each treatment site. The chondrocytes are viable at the RF-treated si tes without alterations in nuclear cytoplasmic nor lacunae structure when c ompared with collateral untreated areas. In conclusion, chondrocytes remain viable, no collagen abnormalities are detected, and diseased areas are smo othed without further evidence of fibrillation. RF-energy appears to be saf e for use on articular cartilage.