Bipolar Radiofrequency Ablation Does Not Result in Full-Thickness Articular Cartilage Penetration: An Ex Vivo Bovine Investigation.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

To evaluate the depth of penetration of manufacturer-recommended bipolar radiofrequency (BRF) output in healthy hyaline cartilage.

Methods

Two matched knees from a bovine specimen were harvested for immediate testing. BRF probes were used to treat the articular cartilage in a hydrated noncontact technique employing a 1-mm spacer on patellar, condylar, and trochlear surfaces. Two manufacturer-recommended ablate power settings were evaluated to analyze the effect of varying power outputs on the depth of penetration. Surfaces were randomized and treated with BRF ablate setting 3 (AB-3), 4 (AB-4), or left untreated as a control (12 grids each). Slices were extracted from treatment zones and subjected to fluorescein diacetate and propidium iodide viability stains and anal

SUBMITTER: Khoury AN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9210475 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature