Comparative effects of laser and radiofrequency energy on joint capsule

The study compared the effects of laser and monopolar radiofrequency energy on thermal and architectural properties of joint capsular tissue in an in vitro ovine model, Sheep glenohumeral joint capsular specimens were treated with laser (5, 10, 15 W) or radiofrequency energy (55 degrees, 65 degrees, 75 degrees C) (n = six per group), Energy application caused significant t issue shrinkage and decreased surface area in all laser and radiofrequency treatment groups. Tissue thickness significantly increased in all treatment groups except for radiofrequency 55 degrees C, Tissue shrinkage, surface a rea, and thickness each correlated significantly with the delivered laser e nergy per tissue area or mean radiofrequency probe temperature, There were no significant differences among laser 10 W, laser 15 W, and radiofrequency 75 degrees C treatment groups for these three architectural parameters. Ti ssue temperature was elevated significantly in the laser 10 W, laser 15 W, radiofrequency 65 degrees C, and radiofrequency 75 degrees C groups when co mpared with the control, Tissue temperature changes between the laser 10 W and radiofrequency 75 degrees C groups were similar; however, laser treatme nt produced a steeper temperature increase accompanying its peak temperatur e, Despite different mechanisms, laser and radiofrequency energy can achiev e similar and predictable tissue modification, which is temperature depende nt, additional in vivo studies must be performed to evaluate the applicabil ity of these techniques to clinical use.