The effect of radiofrequency energy on nonweight-bearing areas of bone following shoulder and knee arthroscopy

Orthopedics. 2005 Apr;28(4):392-9. doi: 10.3928/0147-7447-20050401-16.

Abstract

This prospective randomized clinical trial evaluated whether the use of radiofrequency energy (RFE) devices for soft-tissue ablation and coagulation cause thermal injury to bone. Fifty patients underwent one of three treatment modalities: electrocautery, monopolar RFE, or bipolar RFE. Preoperative and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging was compared to evaluate for evidence of osteonecrosis. Postoperative MRI of all patients did not reveal any osteonecrosis or subchondral edema. These findings indicate electrocautery, monopolar RFE, and bipolar RFE devices can be used safely for soft-tissue blation and hemostasis.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Acromion / surgery*
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament / surgery*
  • Arthroscopy*
  • Bone Marrow Diseases / diagnosis
  • Bone and Bones / injuries*
  • Bone and Bones / pathology
  • Burns / diagnosis*
  • Bursa, Synovial / surgery*
  • Connective Tissue / surgery
  • Decompression, Surgical / instrumentation*
  • Edema / diagnosis
  • Electrocoagulation / instrumentation*
  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Safety
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Fractures, Spontaneous / diagnosis
  • Hemostasis, Surgical / instrumentation*
  • Humans
  • Image Enhancement
  • Knee Joint / surgery*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Osteonecrosis / diagnosis
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnosis*
  • Shoulder Joint / surgery*