The Use of Radiofrequency Energy for Arthroscopic Chondroplasty in the Knee

Video 1 Use of mechanical punch to perform arthroscopic chondroplasty in knee (viewed from lateral arthroscopy viewing portal in right knee flexed to 90°). The punch is shown being used to remove a large chondral flap lesion from the lateral side of the medial femoral condyle. At the end of the procedure, the resultant rough edge and mechanical instability of the lesion can be observed. This initial procedure is performed to remove large areas of tissue to limit subsequent use of RFE.

Video 2 Use of a bipolar RFE probe to perform arthroscopic chondroplasty in the knee (viewed from lateral arthroscopy viewing portal in right knee flexed to 90°). The RFE probe is shown being used after removal of a large chondral flap lesion from the lateral side of the medial femoral condyle (large area of tissue initially removed with manual punch to limit RFE use). The probe is used to deliver short, intermittent bursts of energy. The cartilage at the edge of the lesion is modified by the RFE, achieving a smooth edge. This allows the potential for better mechanical stability and prevention of lesion progression.