Volume 18, Issue 5 , Pages 492-495, May 2002
Radiofrequency thermal effects on the human meniscus:☆
An in vitro analysis
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the thermal effects produced in meniscal tissue with different radiofrequency (RF) energy levels and exposure times using a bipolar device. Type of Study: An anatomic in vitro analysis of the thermal effects of an RF device. Methods: A specially designed jig was used to apply RF energy under a constant force to cadaveric menisci. Three different energy levels were applied for 4 different contact times. Results: The overall mean depth of thermal change was 547 μm (range, 468 to 650 μm). There were no significant differences or trends when contact time and energy were varied. Conclusions: These data suggest that increased contact times and energy outputs are not associated with increased thermal change in the meniscus. The submillimeter thermal denaturation was consistent with published reports using other thermal devices, such as laser.
Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery, Vol 18, No 5 (May-June), 2002: pp 492–495
Keywords: Radiofrequency, Electrosurgery, Meniscus, Meniscectomy, Monopolar, Bipolar
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☆ Address correspondence and reprint requests to C. Thomas Vangsness, Jr., M.D., Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90033, U.S.A.
PII: S0749-8063(02)67613-3
doi:10.1053/jars.2002.32328
© 2002 Arthroscopy Association of North America. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Volume 18, Issue 5 , Pages 492-495, May 2002
