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Jackson GR, Salazar LM, McCormick JR, Gopinatth V, Hodakowski A, Mowers CC, Dasari S, Fortier LM, Kaplan DJ, Khan ZA, Mameri ES, Knapik DM, Chahla J, Verma NN. Radiofrequency-Based Chondroplasty Creates a Precise Area of Targeted Chondrocyte Death With Minimal Necrosis Outside the Target Zone: A Systematic Review. Arthrosc Sports Med Rehabil 2023; 5:100754. [PMID: 37448756 PMCID: PMC10336731 DOI: 10.1016/j.asmr.2023.100754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To systematically examine the effects of radiofrequency (RF) ablation or coblation (controlled ablation) on chondrocyte viability following knee chondroplasty in preclinical literature to determine the effectiveness and safety of RF-based techniques. Methods A literature search was performed in September 2022 using PubMed and Scopus using the following search terms combined with Boolean operators: "chondroplasty," "radiofrequency," "thermal," "knee," "chondral defect," "articular cartilage," and "cartilage." The inclusion criteria consisted of preclinical studies examining the effect of RF ablation or coblation on chondrocytes during knee chondroplasty. Exclusion criteria consisted of studies reporting chondroplasty in joints other than the knee, clinical studies, in vitro studies using animal models, case reports, non-full-text articles, letters to editors, surveys, review articles, and abstracts. The following data were extracted from the included articles: author, year of publication, chondral defect location within the knee and chondral characteristics, RF probe characteristics, cartilage macroscopic description, microscopic chondrocyte description, and extracellular matrix characteristics. Results A total of 17 articles, consisting of 811 cartilage specimens, were identified. The mean specimen age was 63.4 ± 6.0 (range, 37-89) years. Five studies used monopolar RF devices, 7 studies used bipolar RF devices, whereas 4 studies used both monopolar and bipolar RF devices. Time until cell death during ablation at any power was reported in 5 studies (n = 351 specimens), with a mean time to cell death of 54.4 seconds (mean range, 23.1-64) for bipolar RF and 56.3 seconds (mean range, 12.5-64) for monopolar RF devices. Chondrocyte cell death increased with increased wattage, while treatment time was positively correlated with deeper cell death. Conclusions In this systematic review, histologic analysis demonstrated that RF-based chondroplasty creates a precise area of targeted chondrocyte death, with minimal evidence of necrosis outside the target zone. Caution must be exercised when performing RF-based chondroplasty due to the risk of cell death with increased application time and wattage. Clinical Relevance Although RF ablation has demonstrated favorable results in preliminary trials, including smoother cartilage and less damage to the surrounding healthy tissue, the risks versus benefits of the procedure are largely unknown. Caution must be exercised when performing RF-based chondroplasty in the clinical setting due to the risk of cell death with increased application time and wattage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garrett R. Jackson
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A
| | - Luis M. Salazar
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A
| | - Johnathon R. McCormick
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A
| | - Varun Gopinatth
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A
| | - Alex Hodakowski
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A
| | - Colton C. Mowers
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A
| | - Suhas Dasari
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A
| | - Luc M. Fortier
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A
| | - Daniel J. Kaplan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A
| | - Zeeshan A. Khan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A
| | - Enzo S. Mameri
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A
- Instituto Brasil de Tecnologia da Saúde, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Federal University of São Paulo (EPM-UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Derrick M. Knapik
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University and Barnes-Jewish Orthopedic Center, Chesterfield, Missouri, U.S.A
| | - Jorge Chahla
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A
| | - Nikhil N. Verma
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A
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Zhang Z, She C, Li L, Mao Y, Jin Z, Fan Z, Dong Q, Zhou H, Xu W. Mid-term study on the effects of arthroscopic discoid lateral meniscus plasty on patellofemoral joint: An observational study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e31760. [PMID: 36397384 PMCID: PMC9666187 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000031760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present study, we aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic discoid lateral meniscus (DLM) plasty and the adaptive changes in the patellofemoral joint after surgery. From September 2010 to March 2012, 25 patients with DLM injuries who underwent arthroscopic meniscus plasty were enrolled in the prospective study. All patients underwent clinical evaluation before the operation and at the last follow-up, and imaging evaluation was performed by upright magnetic resonance imaging before and 1 month after the operation as well as at the last follow-up. Clinical evaluation included Lysholm score, Kujala score, McMurray's sign, patellar mobility, patella grind test, and quadriceps atrophy. Imaging evaluation included bisect offset index, patella tilt angle (PTA), and cartilage damage. Lysholm score, Kujala score, McMurray's sign, and quadriceps atrophy at the last follow-up were significantly improved compared with the preoperative levels (P < .05). At the last follow-up, there were no statistical differences in patella mobility and patella grind test compared with the preoperative levels. In addition, bisect offset index and PTA showed a dynamic trend of rising and then falling over time (P < .05). At 1 month after the operation, bisect offset index and PTA were significantly increased compared with the preoperative levels or the values at the last follow-up (P < .05), while there were no differences between the preoperation and the last follow-up. Cartilage damage became worse with time (P < 0.05), and the 2 were positively correlated (Spearman = 0.368). At the last follow-up, the degree of cartilage damage was significantly increased compared with the preoperative level (P < .017), while there was no significant difference between the 1-month postoperative grade and the preoperational grade or the last follow-up grade. The effect of arthroscopic DLM plasty on the patellofemoral joint was dynamic, with the position of the patella deviating in the early stages and recovering in the mid-term, especially when the knee was in the biomechanical standing position. In addition, the patellofemoral joint cartilage might undergo accelerated degeneration after the operation, while the mid-term effect of the operation was positive, and the patellofemoral joint function was acceptable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaihang Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Suqian First Hospital, Suqian, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Chang She
- Department of Orthopedics, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Liubing Li
- Department of Orthopedics, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yongtao Mao
- Department of Orthopedics, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhigao Jin
- Department of Orthopedics, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhiying Fan
- Department of Orthopedics, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Qirong Dong
- Department of Orthopedics, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Haibin Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
- * Correspondence: Wei Xu, Department of Orthopedics, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province 215004, China (e-mail: )
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Alizadeh Sardroud H, Wanlin T, Chen X, Eames BF. Cartilage Tissue Engineering Approaches Need to Assess Fibrocartilage When Hydrogel Constructs Are Mechanically Loaded. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 9:787538. [PMID: 35096790 PMCID: PMC8790514 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.787538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Chondrocytes that are impregnated within hydrogel constructs sense applied mechanical force and can respond by expressing collagens, which are deposited into the extracellular matrix (ECM). The intention of most cartilage tissue engineering is to form hyaline cartilage, but if mechanical stimulation pushes the ratio of collagen type I (Col1) to collagen type II (Col2) in the ECM too high, then fibrocartilage can form instead. With a focus on Col1 and Col2 expression, the first part of this article reviews the latest studies on hyaline cartilage regeneration within hydrogel constructs that are subjected to compression forces (one of the major types of the forces within joints) in vitro. Since the mechanical loading conditions involving compression and other forces in joints are difficult to reproduce in vitro, implantation of hydrogel constructs in vivo is also reviewed, again with a focus on Col1 and Col2 production within the newly formed cartilage. Furthermore, mechanotransduction pathways that may be related to the expression of Col1 and Col2 within chondrocytes are reviewed and examined. Also, two recently-emerged, novel approaches of load-shielding and synchrotron radiation (SR)–based imaging techniques are discussed and highlighted for future applications to the regeneration of hyaline cartilage. Going forward, all cartilage tissue engineering experiments should assess thoroughly whether fibrocartilage or hyaline cartilage is formed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Alizadeh Sardroud
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
- *Correspondence: Hamed Alizadeh Sardroud,
| | - Tasker Wanlin
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Xiongbiao Chen
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - B. Frank Eames
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
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Small Ruminant Models for Articular Cartilage Regeneration by Scaffold-Based Tissue Engineering. Stem Cells Int 2021; 2021:5590479. [PMID: 34912460 PMCID: PMC8668357 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5590479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal models play an important role in preclinical studies, especially in tissue engineering scaffolds for cartilage repair, which require large animal models to verify the safety and effectiveness for clinical use. The small ruminant models are most widely used in this field than other large animals because they are cost-effective, easy to raise, not to mention the fact that the aforementioned animal presents similar anatomical features to that of humans. This review discusses the experimental study of tissue engineering scaffolds for knee articular cartilage regeneration in small ruminant models. Firstly, the selection of these scaffold materials and the preparation process in vitro that have been already used in vivo are briefly reviewed. Moreover, the major factors influencing the rational design and the implementation as well as advantages and limitations of small ruminants are also demonstrated. As regards methodology, this paper applies principles and methods followed by most researchers in the process of experimental design and operation of this kind. By summarizing and comparing different therapeutic concepts, this paper offers suggestions aiming to increase the effectiveness of preclinical research using small ruminant models and improve the process of developing corresponding therapies.
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González Vázquez AG, Blokpoel Ferreras LA, Bennett KE, Casey SM, Brama PAJ, O'Brien FJ. Systematic Comparison of Biomaterials-Based Strategies for Osteochondral and Chondral Repair in Large Animal Models. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2100878. [PMID: 34405587 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202100878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Joint repair remains a major challenge in orthopaedics. Recent progress in biomaterial design has led to the fabrication of a plethora of promising devices. Pre-clinical testing of any joint repair strategy typically requires the use of large animal models (e.g., sheep, goat, pig or horse). Despite the key role of such models in clinical translation, there is still a lack of consensus regarding optimal experimental design, making it difficult to draw conclusions on their efficacy. In this context, the authors performed a systematic literature review and a risk of bias assessment on large animal models published between 2010 and 2020, to identify key experimental parameters that significantly affect the biomaterial therapeutic outcome and clinical translation potential (including defect localization, animal age/maturity, selection of controls, cell-free versus cell-laden). They determined that mechanically strong biomaterials perform better at the femoral condyles; while highlighted the importance of including native tissue controls to better evaluate the quality of the newly formed tissue. Finally, in cell-laded biomaterials, the pre-culture conditions played a more important role in defect repair than the cell type. In summary, here they present a systematic evaluation on how the experimental design of preclinical models influences biomaterial-based therapeutic outcomes in joint repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arlyng G. González Vázquez
- Tissue Engineering Research Group Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) Dublin 2 D02 YN77 Ireland
- Advanced Materials Bio‐Engineering Research Centre (AMBER) RCSI and TCD Dublin 2 D02 PN40 Ireland
| | - Lia A. Blokpoel Ferreras
- Tissue Engineering Research Group Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) Dublin 2 D02 YN77 Ireland
- Advanced Materials Bio‐Engineering Research Centre (AMBER) RCSI and TCD Dublin 2 D02 PN40 Ireland
| | | | - Sarah M. Casey
- Tissue Engineering Research Group Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) Dublin 2 D02 YN77 Ireland
- Advanced Materials Bio‐Engineering Research Centre (AMBER) RCSI and TCD Dublin 2 D02 PN40 Ireland
| | - Pieter AJ Brama
- School of Veterinary Medicine University College Dublin (UCD) Dublin 4 D04 V1W8 Ireland
| | - Fergal J. O'Brien
- Tissue Engineering Research Group Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) Dublin 2 D02 YN77 Ireland
- Advanced Materials Bio‐Engineering Research Centre (AMBER) RCSI and TCD Dublin 2 D02 PN40 Ireland
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute Trinity College Dublin (TCD) Dublin 2 D02 PN40 Ireland
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Oláh T, Cai X, Michaelis JC, Madry H. Comparative anatomy and morphology of the knee in translational models for articular cartilage disorders. Part I: Large animals. Ann Anat 2021; 235:151680. [PMID: 33548412 DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2021.151680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The human knee is a complex joint, and affected by a variety of articular cartilage disorders. Large animal models are critical to model the complex disease mechanisms affecting a functional joint. Species-dependent differences highly affect the results of a pre-clinical study and need to be considered, necessitating specific knowledge not only of macroscopic and microscopic anatomical and pathological aspects, but also characteristics of their individual gait and joint movements. METHODS Literature search in Pubmed. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION This narrative review summarizes the most relevant anatomical structural and functional characteristics of the knee (stifle) joints of the major translational large animal species, comprising dogs, (mini)pigs, sheep, goats, and horses in comparison with humans. Specific characteristics of each species, including kinematical gait parameters are provided. Considering these multifactorial dimensions will allow to select the appropriate model for answering the research questions in a clinically relevant fashion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamás Oláh
- Center of Experimental Orthopaedics, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Xiaoyu Cai
- Center of Experimental Orthopaedics, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | | | - Henning Madry
- Center of Experimental Orthopaedics, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg, Germany.
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Dias IR, Viegas CA, Carvalho PP. Large Animal Models for Osteochondral Regeneration. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1059:441-501. [PMID: 29736586 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-76735-2_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Namely, in the last two decades, large animal models - small ruminants (sheep and goats), pigs, dogs and horses - have been used to study the physiopathology and to develop new therapeutic procedures to treat human clinical osteoarthritis. For that purpose, cartilage and/or osteochondral defects are generally performed in the stifle joint of selected large animal models at the condylar and trochlear femoral areas where spontaneous regeneration should be excluded. Experimental animal care and protection legislation and guideline documents of the US Food and Drug Administration, the American Society for Testing and Materials and the International Cartilage Repair Society should be followed, and also the specificities of the animal species used for these studies must be taken into account, such as the cartilage thickness of the selected defect localization, the defined cartilage critical size defect and the joint anatomy in view of the post-operative techniques to be performed to evaluate the chondral/osteochondral repair. In particular, in the articular cartilage regeneration and repair studies with animal models, the subchondral bone plate should always be taken into consideration. Pilot studies for chondral and osteochondral bone tissue engineering could apply short observational periods for evaluation of the cartilage regeneration up to 12 weeks post-operatively, but generally a 6- to 12-month follow-up period is used for these types of studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel R Dias
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences School, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal. .,3B's Research Group - Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, Department of Polymer Engineering, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark - Parque da Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, Barco - Guimarães, 4805-017, Portugal. .,Department of Veterinary Medicine, ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
| | - Carlos A Viegas
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences School, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal.,3B's Research Group - Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, Department of Polymer Engineering, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark - Parque da Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, Barco - Guimarães, 4805-017, Portugal.,Department of Veterinary Medicine, ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Pedro P Carvalho
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University School Vasco da Gama, Av. José R. Sousa Fernandes 197, Lordemão, Coimbra, 3020-210, Portugal.,CIVG - Vasco da Gama Research Center, University School Vasco da Gama, Coimbra, Portugal
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Behrou R, Foroughi H, Haghpanah F. Numerical study of temperature effects on the poro-viscoelastic behavior of articular cartilage. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2017; 78:214-223. [PMID: 29174620 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2017.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Revised: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
This paper presents a new approach to study the effects of temperature on the poro- elastic and viscoelastic behavior of articular cartilage. Biphasic solid-fluid mixture theory is applied to study the poro-mechanical behavior of articular cartilage in a fully saturated state. The balance of linear momentum, mass, and energy are considered to describe deformation of the solid skeleton, pore fluid pressure, and temperature distribution in the mixture. The mechanical model assumes both linear elastic and viscoelastic isotropic materials, infinitesimal strain theory, and a time-dependent response. The influence of temperature on the mixture behavior is modeled through temperature dependent mass density and volumetric thermal strain. The fluid flow through the porous medium is described by the Darcy's law. The stress-strain relation for time-dependent viscoelastic deformation in the solid skeleton is described using the generalized Maxwell model. A verification example is presented to illustrate accuracy and efficiency of the developed finite element model. The influence of temperature is studied through examining the behavior of articular cartilage for confined and unconfined boundary conditions. Furthermore, articular cartilage under partial loading condition is modeled to investigate the deformation, pore fluid pressure, and temperature dissipation processes. The results suggest significant impacts of temperature on both poro- elastic and viscoelastic behavior of articular cartilage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Behrou
- Department of Civil Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Hamid Foroughi
- Department of Civil Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Fardad Haghpanah
- Department of Civil Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Spahn G, Hofmann GO, von Engelhardt LV. Mechanical debridement versus radiofrequency in knee chondroplasty with concomitant medial meniscectomy: 10-year results from a randomized controlled study. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 2016; 24:1560-8. [PMID: 26429567 DOI: 10.1007/s00167-015-3810-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We compared the effectiveness of mechanical debridement (MD) and bipolar radiofrequency chondroplasty (RF) with regard to clinical outcome, rate of revision, and progression of knee osteoarthritis. METHODS Sixty patients with MRI-detected grade III cartilage lesions on the medial femoral condyle were considered for the study. For MD (group 1; n = 30), each lesion was debrided using a mechanical shaver. For RF (group 2; n = 30), each lesion was smoothed using a temperature-controlled RF probe set at 50 °C. RESULTS The 10-year follow-up was available for 47 patients (78.3 %). Sixty per cent of group 1 (n = 18) underwent revision during the follow-up period. In contrast, the revision rate in group 2 was 23.3 % (n = 7; p = 0.061). The mean survival was 94.1 months (95 % CI 77.1-111.3) and 62.5 months (95 % CI 45.9-79.2) for group 2 and group 1, respectively. Patients who did not require revision (group 1, n = 9; group 2, n = 13) were assessed before surgery and 1, 4, and 10 years after surgery using the knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS). At follow-up, the KOOS was higher for group 2 than group 1. At the time of surgery, no patient showed any radiological signs of osteoarthritis. The width of the medial joint was 5.4 mm (95 % CI 4.3-6.5) and 5.6 mm (95 % CI 4.9-6.3) in the MD and RF groups, respectively (n.s.). During the follow-up period, the joint space width narrowed continuously in both groups (p < 0.001), but more rapidly in the group 1 (n.s). CONCLUSION Compared to conventional MD, 50° RF treatment appears to be a superior method based on short- and medium-term clinical outcomes and the progression of knee osteoarthritis. Clear predictors for the indications of different cartilage treatments and more randomized clinical trials are needed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE I.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunter Spahn
- Center of Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery and Jena University Hospital, Sophienstr. 16, 99817, Eisenach, Germany.
| | - Gunther O Hofmann
- Trauma Department and Trauma Center Bergmannstrost Halle/S., Jena University Hospital, Erlanger Allee 101, 07740, Jena, Germany
| | - Lars Victor von Engelhardt
- Department of Orthopedics, Trauma Surgery and Sports Medicine, University of Witten/Herdecke and Johanna-Etienne-Hospital, Am Hasenberg 46, 41462, Neuss, Germany
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Rocco P, Lorenzo DB, Guglielmo T, Michele P, Nicola M, Vincenzo D. Radiofrequency energy in the arthroscopic treatment of knee chondral lesions: a systematic review. Br Med Bull 2016; 117:149-56. [PMID: 26862117 DOI: 10.1093/bmb/ldw004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cartilage debridement is one of the recommended procedures for the management of chondral defects. Radiofrequency probes allow to debride the cartilage, but may induce subchondral bone necrosis. SOURCES OF DATA Medline, Cochrane and Google Scholar were searched to identify studies on arthroscopic debridement of the articular cartilage of the knee using radiofrequency chondroplasty. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Coleman methodology score (CMS). AREAS OF AGREEMENT Monopolar and bipolar radiofrequency devices provide significantly better clinical outcomes, especially for patients with high-grade chondral lesions, compared with mechanical shaver only. Despite the original concerns regarding subchondral bone necrosis, low complication rates are reported. AREAS OF CONTROVERSY Heterogeneity in terms of type of device does not allow sound comparison of the published results. There is lack of evidence on the long-term effects of radiofrequency chondroplasty. GROWING POINTS Study methodology should be improved: the average Coleman methodology score was 56.2 out of 100. RESEARCH More comparative, well-designed and larger cohort trials are needed to ascertain whether radiofrequency chondroplasty offers long-term benefits over other simpler and more economical alternatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Papalia Rocco
- Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Campus Biomedico University of Rome, Via Alvaro del Portillo 200, Rome, Italy
| | - Diaz Balzani Lorenzo
- Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Campus Biomedico University of Rome, Via Alvaro del Portillo 200, Rome, Italy
| | - Torre Guglielmo
- Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Campus Biomedico University of Rome, Via Alvaro del Portillo 200, Rome, Italy
| | - Paciotti Michele
- Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Campus Biomedico University of Rome, Via Alvaro del Portillo 200, Rome, Italy
| | - Maffulli Nicola
- Department of Musculoskeletal Disorders, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Salerno, Italy Centre for Sports and Exercise Medicine, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Mile End Hospital, 275 Bancroft Road, London E1 4DG, UK
| | - Denaro Vincenzo
- Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Campus Biomedico University of Rome, Via Alvaro del Portillo 200, Rome, Italy
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Sakata R, Iwakura T, Reddi AH. Regeneration of Articular Cartilage Surface: Morphogens, Cells, and Extracellular Matrix Scaffolds. TISSUE ENGINEERING PART B-REVIEWS 2015; 21:461-73. [DOI: 10.1089/ten.teb.2014.0661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ryosuke Sakata
- Center for Tissue Regeneration and Repair, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, Sacramento, California
| | - Takashi Iwakura
- Center for Tissue Regeneration and Repair, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, Sacramento, California
| | - A. Hari Reddi
- Center for Tissue Regeneration and Repair, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, Sacramento, California
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Grässel S, Lorenz J. Tissue-engineering strategies to repair chondral and osteochondral tissue in osteoarthritis: use of mesenchymal stem cells. Curr Rheumatol Rep 2015; 16:452. [PMID: 25182680 PMCID: PMC4182613 DOI: 10.1007/s11926-014-0452-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Focal chondral or osteochondral lesions can be painful and disabling because they have insufficient intrinsic repair potential, and constitute one of the major extrinsic risk factors for osteoarthritis (OA). Attention has, therefore, been paid to regenerative therapeutic procedures for the early treatment of cartilaginous defects. Current treatments for OA are not regenerative and have little effect on the progressive degeneration of joint tissue. One major reason for this underrepresentation of regenerative therapy is that approaches to treating OA with cell-based strategies have to take into consideration the larger sizes of the defects, as compared with isolated focal articular-cartilage defects, and the underlying disease process. Here, we review current treatment strategies using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for chondral and osteochondral tissue repair in trauma and OA-affected joints. We discuss tissue-engineering approaches, in preclinical large-animal models and clinical studies in humans, which use crude bone-marrow aspirates and MSCs from different tissue sources in combination with bioactive agents and materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Grässel
- Experimental Orthopedics, Centre for Medical Biotechnology, BioPark 1, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany,
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Badri A, Burkhardt J. Arthroscopic debridement of unicompartmental arthritis: fact or fiction? Clin Sports Med 2014; 33:23-41. [PMID: 24274843 DOI: 10.1016/j.csm.2013.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Patients with recurrent or mechanical symptoms of unicompartmental knee arthritis that have failed conservative management are candidates for surgical intervention. Surgical options include debridement, lavage, chondroplasty, bone marrow-stimulating techniques, chondrocyte transfer, and chondrocyte implantation. These techniques have been well studied but it is still unclear which technique is superior. Various factors need to be accounted for when choosing the proper technique; among the factors discussed are the patient's age and the size of the articular cartilage defect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Badri
- Department of Orthopedics, Jersey City Medical Center, 355 Grand Street, Jersey City, NJ 07032, USA; Department of Orthopedics, Meadowlands Hospital Medical Center, 55 Meadowlands Parkway, Secaucus, NJ, USA; Touro COM, Harlem, NY, USA.
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Mo JH, Lee DJ, Chung PS, Chung YJ. Regenerative and proliferative activities of chondrocyte based on the degree of perichondrial injury in rabbit auricular cartilage. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2013; 271:1573-80. [PMID: 24132655 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-013-2769-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2013] [Accepted: 10/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Although the regeneration process for injured cartilage requires an intact perichondrium, few studies have addressed the importance of the intact perichondrial layer in the regeneration of damaged cartilage. In this study, we evaluated the role of the perichondrium on regenerative activities in injured cartilage according to different degrees of perichondrial injury. Auricular cartilage harvested from six New Zealand white rabbits was irradiated with a 1,460-nm diode laser at two different power settings (0.3 or 0.5 W). Irradiated cartilage was reimplanted into a subperichondrial pocket under three different conditions: non-injured perichondrium (NPI), unilaterally injured perichondrium (UPI), or bilaterally injured perichondrium (BPI). Rabbits were sacrificed at 1, 2, and 4 weeks after reimplantation and the auricular cartilage was reharvested. A histopathological study using hematoxylin and eosin staining, a live/dead viability assay, and immunohistochemical staining for proliferating cell nuclear antigen were performed to evaluate structural changes and regenerative and proliferative activities of the injured chondrocytes. A modified array and restored boundary of chondrocytes were observed in the NPI and UPI groups. Regeneration of chondrocytes was prominent in the NPI and UPI groups, but was not observed in the BPI group. Proliferative activity of chondrocytes was observed only when the perichondrium was preserved in the NPI and UPI groups. In contrast, proliferative activity was not observed until 4 weeks in the BPI group. The degree of perichondrial injury affected proliferation and regeneration in injured elastic cartilage. In the case of unilateral perichondrial injury, the surgeon should be careful to avoid damaging the other side of the perichondrium, because at least a unilateral perichondrial layer is needed for the regeneration of elastic cartilage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Hun Mo
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, College of Medicine, Dankook University, 16-5 Anseo-dong, Dongnam-gu, Cheonan, Chungcheongnam-do, 330-714, South Korea
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Viability and Regeneration of Chondrocytes after Laser Cartilage Reshaping Using 1,460 nm Diode Laser. Clin Exp Otorhinolaryngol 2013; 6:82-9. [PMID: 23799165 PMCID: PMC3687067 DOI: 10.3342/ceo.2013.6.2.82] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2013] [Revised: 05/01/2013] [Accepted: 05/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Cartilage reshaping by laser irradiation is used to correct septal and auricular cartilage deformities. Chondrocyte viability following laser irradiation and reshaping has been well established. However, the regeneration process of chondrocyte after laser irradiation has not been revealed yet. The aims of this study were to determine the mechanism of cartilaginous thermal injury and the regenerative process of damaged cartilage following laser irradiation. Methods Laser irradiation was performed on human septal cartilage and rabbit auricular cartilage using a 1,460-nm diode laser. We observed change in the shape of cartilage and evaluated the extent of cartilage injury using live/dead cell assay via confocal microscopy. Hoechst and propidium iodide (PI) staining was used to evaluate the mechanism of chondrocyte injury after laser irradiation. To evaluate the regeneration of cartilage, laser irradiated cartilages were reimplanted into a subperichondrial pocket and were harvested at 1, 2, and 4 weeks after reimplantation for viability assessment and histologic examination. Results Laser irradiation using a 1,460-nm diode laser produced a marked shape change in both human septal and rabbit auricular cartilages. Thermal damage on cartilage was correlated with the exposure time and the laser power. Hoechst and PI staining showed that chondrocyte death by laser irradiation was due to mainly necrosis, rather than apoptosis. In lower power treatment group (0.3 W and 0.5 W), all the chondrocytes regenerated within 4 weeks, however, in 1 W treatment group, chondrocytes could not regenerate until 4 weeks. Conclusion Reshaping of cartilage using 1,460 nm diode laser was attained concurrently with the thermal injury to the chondrocytes. The extent of thermal damage on chondrocytes was dependent on the exposure time and the laser power and the damaged chondrocytes irradiated with lower level of laser power could be regenerated after reimplantation into subperichondrial pocket.
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Orth P, Madry H. A low morbidity surgical approach to the sheep femoral trochlea. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2013; 14:5. [PMID: 23286467 PMCID: PMC3539878 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2474-14-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2012] [Accepted: 12/31/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ovine stifle joint is an important location for investigations on the repair of articular cartilage defects in preclinical large animals. The classical medial parapatellar approach to the femoral trochlea is hazardous because of the high risk of postoperative patellar luxation. Here, we describe a low morbidity surgical exposure of the ovine trochlea without the necessity for intraoperative patellar luxation. METHODS Bilateral surgical exposure of the femoral trochlea of the sheep stifle joint was performed using the classical medial parapatellar approach with intraoperative lateral patellar luxation and transection of the medial patellar retinaculum in 28 ovine stifle joints. A low morbidity approach was performed bilaterally in 116 joints through a mini-arthrotomy without the need to transect the medial patellar retinaculum or the oblique medial vastus muscle nor surgical patellar luxation. Postoperatively, all 72 animals were monitored to exclude patellar luxations and deep wound infections. RESULTS The novel approach could be performed easily in all joints and safely exposed the distal two-thirds of the medial and lateral trochlear facet. No postoperative patellar luxations were observed compared to a postoperative patellar luxation rate of 25% experienced with the classical medial parapatellar approach and a re-luxation rate of 80% following revision surgery. No signs of lameness, wound infections, or empyema were observed for both approaches. CONCLUSIONS The mini-arthrotomy presented here yields good exposure of the distal ovine femoral trochlea with a lower postoperative morbidity than the classical medial parapatellar approach. It is therefore suitable to create articular cartilage defects on the femoral trochlea without the risk of postoperative patellar luxation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Orth
- Center of Experimental Orthopaedics and Osteoarthritis Research, Saarland University, Saar, Germany
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Ganguly K, McRury ID, Goodwin PM, Morgan RE, Augé WK. Targeted In Situ Biosynthetic Transcriptional Activation in Native Surface-Level Human Articular Chondrocytes during Lesion Stabilization. Cartilage 2012; 3:141-55. [PMID: 26069627 PMCID: PMC4297128 DOI: 10.1177/1947603511426881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Safe articular cartilage lesion stabilization is an important early surgical intervention advance toward mitigating articular cartilage disease burden. While short-term chondrocyte viability and chondrosupportive matrix modification have been demonstrated within tissue contiguous to targeted removal of damaged articular cartilage, longer term tissue responses require evaluation to further clarify treatment efficacy. The purpose of this study was to examine surface chondrocyte responses within contiguous tissue after lesion stabilization. METHODS Nonablation radiofrequency lesion stabilization of human cartilage explants obtained during knee replacement was performed for surface fibrillation. Time-dependent chondrocyte viability, nuclear morphology and cell distribution, and temporal response kinetics of matrix and chaperone gene transcription indicative of differentiated chondrocyte function were evaluated in samples at intervals to 96 hours after treatment. RESULTS Subadjacent surface articular cartilage chondrocytes demonstrated continued viability for 96 hours after treatment, a lack of increased nuclear fragmentation or condensation, persistent nucleic acid production during incubation reflecting cellular assembly behavior, and transcriptional up-regulation of matrix and chaperone genes indicative of retained biosynthetic differentiated cell function. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study provide further evidence of treatment efficacy and suggest the possibility to manipulate or induce cellular function, thereby recruiting local chondrocytes to aid lesion recovery. Early surgical intervention may be viewed as a tissue rescue, allowing articular cartilage to continue displaying biological responses appropriate to its function rather than converting to a tissue ultimately governed by the degenerative material property responses of matrix failure. Early intervention may positively impact the late changes and reduce disease burden of damaged articular cartilage.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Wayne K. Augé
- NuOrtho Surgical Inc., Fall River, MA, USA,Center for Orthopaedic and Sports Performance Research Inc., Santa Fe, NM, USA
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A review of the treatment methods for cartilage defects. Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2012; 25:263-72. [PMID: 22286150 DOI: 10.3415/vcot-11-05-0070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2011] [Accepted: 01/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this article is to provide a broad review of the literature related to the treatment of cartilage defects and degenerated cartilage in animals with some inferences to the treatment in humans. Methods range from the insertion of osteochondral tissue or cells to the application of radio frequency or insertion of scaffolds and growth factors alone or in combination. Debridement, microfracture, radio frequency, and chondrocyte implantation are all methods normally utilized when treating smaller articular cartilage defects. Scaffolds and mosaicplasty are examples of methods to treat larger defects. This review will cover all major treatment methods currently used to treat articular cartilage defects.
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Ganguly K, McRury ID, Goodwin PM, Morgan RE, Augé WK. Native Chondrocyte Viability during Cartilage Lesion Progression: Normal to Surface Fibrillation. Cartilage 2010; 1:306-11. [PMID: 26069561 PMCID: PMC4297056 DOI: 10.1177/1947603510373918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Early surgical intervention for articular cartilage disease is desirable before full-thickness lesions develop. As early intervention treatments are designed, native chondrocyte viability at the treatment site before intervention becomes an important parameter to consider. The purpose of this study is to evaluate native chondrocyte viability in a series of specimens demonstrating the progression of articular cartilage lesions to determine if the chondrocyte viability profile changes during the evolution of articular cartilage disease to the level of surface fibrillation. DESIGN Osteochondral specimens demonstrating various degrees of articular cartilage damage were obtained from patients undergoing knee total joint replacement. Three groups were created within a patient harvest based on visual and tactile cues commonly encountered during surgical intervention: group 1, visually and tactilely intact surfaces; group 2, visually intact, tactilely soft surfaces; and group 3, surface fibrillation. Confocal laser microscopy was performed following live/dead cell viability staining. RESULTS Groups 1 to 3 demonstrated viable chondrocytes in all specimens, even within the fibrillated portions of articular cartilage, with little to no evidence of dead chondrocytes. Chondrocyte viability profile in articular cartilage does not appear to change as disease lesion progresses from normal to surface fibrillation. CONCLUSIONS Fibrillated partial-thickness articular cartilage lesions are a good therapeutic target for early intervention. These lesions retain a high profile of viable chondrocytes and are readily diagnosed by visual and tactile cues during surgery. Early intervention should be based on matrix failure rather than on more aggressive procedures that further corrupt the matrix and contribute to chondrocyte necrosis of contiguous untargeted cartilage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumkum Ganguly
- B-Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, USA
| | | | - Peter M. Goodwin
- Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, USA
| | | | - Wayne K. Augé
- NuOrtho Surgical, Inc., Fall River, MA, USA,Center for Orthopaedic and Sports Performance Research, Inc., Santa Fe, NM, USA,Wayne K. Augé II, MD, Center for Orthopaedic and Sports Performance Research, Inc., 936 Vista Jemez Court, Santa Fe, NM 87505, USA ;
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Ganguly K, McRury ID, Goodwin PM, Morgan RE, Augé Ii WK. Histopomorphic evaluation of radiofrequency mediated débridement chondroplasty. Open Orthop J 2010; 4:211-20. [PMID: 20721322 PMCID: PMC2923343 DOI: 10.2174/1874325001004010211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2010] [Revised: 05/21/2010] [Accepted: 05/27/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of radiofrequency devices has become widespread for surgical ablation procedures. When ablation devices have been deployed in treatment settings requiring tissue preservation like débridement chondroplasty, adoption has been limited due to the collateral damage caused by these devices in healthy tissue surrounding the treatment site. Ex vivo radiofrequency mediated débridement chondroplasty was performed on osteochondral specimens demonstrating surface fibrillation obtained from patients undergoing knee total joint replacement. Three radiofrequency systems designed to perform débridement chondroplasty were tested each demonstrating different energy delivery methods: monopolar ablation, bipolar ablation, and non-ablation energy. Treatment outcomes were compared with control specimens as to clinical endpoint and histopomorphic characteristics. Fibrillated cartilage was removed in all specimens; however, the residual tissue remaining at the treatment site displayed significantly different characteristics attributable to radiofrequency energy delivery method. Systems that delivered ablation-based energies caused tissue necrosis and collateral damage at the treatment site including corruption of cartilage Superficial and Transitional Zones; whereas, the non-ablation system created a smooth articular surface with Superficial Zone maintenance and without chondrocyte death or tissue necrosis. The mechanism of radiofrequency energy deposition upon tissues is particularly important in treatment settings requiring tissue preservation. Ablation-based device systems can cause a worsened state of articular cartilage from that of pre-treatment. Non-ablation energy can be successful in modifying/preconditioning tissue during débridement chondroplasty without causing collateral damage. Utilizing a non-ablation radiofrequency system provides the ability to perform successful débridement chondroplasty without causing additional articular cartilage tissue damage and may allow for other cartilage intervention success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumkum Ganguly
- B-Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico, USA
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Balcarek P, Kuhn A, Weigel A, Walde TA, Ferlemann KG, Stürmer KM, Frosch KH. Impact of monopolar radiofrequency energy on subchondral bone viability. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 2010; 18:673-80. [PMID: 19838673 PMCID: PMC2855021 DOI: 10.1007/s00167-009-0949-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2009] [Accepted: 09/21/2009] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to analyze the impact of monopolar radiofrequency energy treatment on subchondral bone viability. The femoral grooves of six chinchilla bastard rabbits were exposed bilaterally to monopolar radiofrequency energy for 2, 4 and 8 s, creating a total of 36 defects. An intravital fluorescence bone-labeling technique characterized the process of subchondral bone mineralization within the 3 months following exposure to radiofrequency energy and was analyzed by widefield epifluorescence optical sectioning microscopy using an ApoTome. After 2 s of radiofrequency energy exposure, regular fluorescence staining of the subchondral bone was evident in all samples when compared to untreated areas. The depth of osteonecrosis after 4 and 8 s of radiofrequency energy treatment averaged 126 and 942 microm at 22 days (P < .05; P < .01). The 4 s treatment group showed no osteonecrosis after 44 days whereas the depth of osteonecrosis extended from 519 microm at 44 days (P < .01), to 281 microm at 66 days (P < .01) and to 133 microm at 88 days (P < .05) after 8 s of radiofrequency energy application. Though radiofrequency energy may induce transient osteonecrosis in the superficial zone of the subchondral bone, the results of this study suggest that post-arthroscopic osteonecrosis appears to be of only modest risk given the current clinical application in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Balcarek
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Plastic-and Reconstructive Surgery, University Medicine, Georg-August University, Robert-Koch-Str 40, 37075 Göttingen, Germany.
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Radiofrequency application to the growth plate in the rabbit: a new potential approach to epiphysiodesis. J Pediatr Orthop 2009; 29:629-35. [PMID: 19700996 DOI: 10.1097/bpo.0b013e3181b2bae7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Radiofrequency energy is being used more and more frequently in orthopaedics, mainly in the treatment of bone tumors. We postulated that radiofrequency ablation may produce growth plate lesions similar to those observed in the bone and conducted this study to see whether radiofrequency may be used as a technique for producing epiphysiodesis. METHODS We randomized 60 8-week-old female New Zealand white rabbits into 3 groups. Group A was destined for a total epiphysiodesis at 60 degrees C, group B was destined for a total epiphysiodesis at 90 degrees C, and group C for a lateral hemiepiphysiodesis at 90 degrees C. Radiofrequency energy was delivered in 1 minute in all 3 groups. Using fluoroscopic imaging, radiofrequency was applied percutaneously to the left proximal tibial physis whereas the right growth plate received a sham procedure. A bicortical pin was used to evaluate the longitudinal growth rate at every monthly radiologic control, beginning 8 weeks after the procedure. Comparisons between the right and left side and between groups A and B were achieved using a paired t test. A histopathologic study was conducted in parallel to the radiographic study. RESULTS In a radiograph at the 8-week point, pin migration was 4.74 mm on the left side compared with 9.72 mm on the right (P<0.0001), in group A. In group B, pin migration on the left was 1.37 mm compared with 5.49 mm on the right (P<0.0001). In group C, mean angular deviation was 11.6 degrees on the left compared with 1.9 degrees on the right (P=0.0001). These differences were maintained until the end of growth. Pathology specimens revealed cellular anarchy, loss of columnar stratification, and height of the physis on the left side, which occurred earlier and were more pronounced in group B than in group A. In group C, these changes involved only the lateral half of the left physis whereas its medial counterpart remained normal. There was no evidence of articular cartilage damage. CONCLUSIONS This experimental study shows that radiofrequency can efficiently and rapidly achieve epiphysiodesis. It is one of many methods that can be used for this purpose. The development of new electrodes suitable for use on human growth plates and the elaboration of specific utilization protocols may lead to its use in children. Its simplicity and precision may lead to a quick and efficient growth arrest with little pain and postoperative disability in addition to reduced costs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Radiofrequency has proved to be effective in producing growth arrest in rabbits with no complications. Technical improvements and adaptations may allow its use for pediatric limb inequalities or angular deformities in the near future.
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Preclinical animal models in single site cartilage defect testing: a systematic review. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2009; 17:705-13. [PMID: 19101179 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2008.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 194] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2008] [Accepted: 11/11/2008] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Review the literature for single site cartilage defect research and evaluate the respective strengths and weaknesses of different preclinical animal models. METHOD A literature search for animal models evaluating single site cartilage defects was performed. Variables tabulated and analyzed included animal species, age and number, defect depth and diameter and study duration. Cluster analyses were then used to separate animals with only distal femoral defects into similar groups based on defect dimensions. Representative human studies were included allowing comparison of common clinical lesions to animal models. The suitability of each species for single site cartilage defect research and its relevance to clinical human practice is then discussed. RESULTS One hundred thirteen studies relating to single site cartilage defects were reviewed. Cluster analysis included 101 studies and placed the murine, laprine, ovine, canine, porcine and caprine models in group 1. Group 2 contained ovine, canine, porcine, caprine and equine models. Group 3 contained only equine models and humans. Species in each group are similar with regard to defect dimensions. Some species occur in multiple groups reflecting utilization of a variety defect sizes. We report and discuss factors to be considered when selecting a preclinical animal model for single site cartilage defect research. DISCUSSION Standardization of study design and outcome parameters would help to compare different studies evaluating various novel therapeutic concepts. Comparison to the human clinical counterpart during study design may help increase the predictive value of preclinical research using animal models and improve the process of developing efficacious therapies.
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Choi IS, Chae YS, Zemek A, Protsenko DE, Wong B. Viability of human septal cartilage after 1.45 microm diode laser irradiation. Lasers Surg Med 2009; 40:562-9. [PMID: 18798294 DOI: 10.1002/lsm.20663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Chondrocyte viability following laser irradiation and reshaping has not been established for human nasal septal cartilage. Knowledge of the relationship between thermal injury and laser dosimetry is needed in order to optimize septal laser cartilage reshaping. The objective of this study was to determine the depth and width of thermal injury in human septal cartilage following laser irradiation. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS Excess fresh nasal septal cartilage sections from rhinoplasty or septoplasty operations were irradiated using a 1.45 microm diode laser 1.25-3.6 W (2.8 mm spot diameter) with 1 second fixed exposure time, and then at exposure times of 1-4 seconds for a fixed power of 1.25 W. An infrared camera recorded surface temperature profiles during irradiation, and the temperature data were incorporated into a rate process model to numerically estimate thermal damage. Calcein AM and ethidium homodimer-1 fluorescent dyes combined with confocal laser microscopy (CLM) were used to measure thermal damage. RESULTS CLM demonstrated clear demarcation between dead and living cells following irradiation. The extent of non-viable chondrocyte distributions increased with power and exposure time. The maximum depths of injury were 1,012 and 1,372 microm after 3.6 W 1 second and 1.25 W 4 seconds irradiation respectively. The damage predictions made by the rate process model underestimated thermal injury when compared with CLM measurements. CONCLUSIONS The assay system identified regions of non-viable chondrocytes in human septal cartilage and defined how thermal injury varies with dosimetry when using a 1.45 microm diode laser.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ick-Soo Choi
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Seoul Paik Hospital, Inje University, 5 Mareunnae Gil, Jung Gu, Seoul 100032, Korea.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The fluoroquinolones are a relatively new class of antimicrobials with an appealing spectrum of activity. Their use in pediatric medicine is limited because of the concern over possible growth inhibition, as published reports have documented articular cartilage damage in animal models after their administration. These data, extrapolated to include the epiphyseal cartilage, suggest that these agents may reduce growth rates, but limited human data are at the least equivocal, if not strictly contradictory to such claims. Specific investigations into the effects of fluoroquinolones on epiphyseal plate cartilage and growth velocity have not been performed. METHODS Gatifloxacin and ciprofloxacin were used as representative agents of the fluoroquinolone class. Each drug was administered to experimental lambs over a 14-day interval at a dose designed to reflect those used in pediatric medicine. Recumbent versus standing intervals were used to monitor for arthropathy. Upon completion of fluoroquinolone administration, lambs underwent double fluorochrome labeling for determination of growth velocity. Gross and microscopic analysis of articular cartilage was performed to assess for pathologic changes. Age- and sex-matched lambs served as controls. RESULTS Neither gatifloxacin nor ciprofloxacin negatively affected growth velocity of the proximal tibial growth plate as measured by double fluorochrome labeling. In addition, no difference between experimental and control lambs in regard to recumbent versus standing intervals was noted. Examination of the articular cartilage failed to suggest chondrotoxicity. CONCLUSION Fluoroquinolone antimicrobials do not affect growth velocity in the ovine model when administered along a dosing regimen that closely models that seen in pediatric medicine. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Fluoroquinolones may be acceptable for use in the pediatric population, as concerns over chondrotoxicity and growth inhibition may not be valid. These data suggest that expanded studies in lambs and other species, including humans, with differences in dosing and duration are justified to ultimately demonstrate clinical safety.
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Risk of osteonecrosis of the femoral condyle after arthroscopic chondroplasty using radiofrequency: a prospective clinical series. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 2009; 17:24-9. [PMID: 18758748 DOI: 10.1007/s00167-008-0604-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2007] [Accepted: 07/23/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Radiofrequency (RF) energy can be used for treatment of intraarticular pathologies in knee joint. RF energy was found to be superior to mechanical techniques in smoothening the articular surface (chondroplasty), shortening the operation time and reducing the blood loss. As RF produces thermal energy it has been reported to be responsible for the postoperative osteonecrosis however, there is no clinical evidence in the literature supporting that RF causes osteonecrosis. The current study searches for an answer whether surgical arthroscopic modalities using RF energy causes osteonecrosis. We hypothesize in the presented study that chondroplasty with RF has no effect on increasing the incidence of osteonecrosis in knee joint. In a prospective clinical trial, arthroscopic chondroplasty was performed in 50 patients with degenerative changes of the articular cartilage, stage II and III according to Outerbridge. To be included in the study, the patients had to meet the following criteria: (1) Preoperative MRI and plain film radiographs showing no evidence of osteonecrosis. (2) Patients had to be symptomatic for at least 6 weeks before the preoperative MRI. (3) Arthroscopically confirmed stage II or III. Preoperative MRI was taken in all patients. For chondral lesions bipolar RF energy system (VAPR-DePuy Mitek, Norwood, USA) was used. The patients were examined at the end of the sixth month and we performed MRI. Fifty patients with an average of age 45.54 (between 18 and 64) (SD, 10.63). During arthroscopy, together with chondropathy 22 patients pure medial meniscus tears, 7 patients medial and lateral meniscus tears, 7 patients pure lateral meniscus tears, 2 patients medial plica, and 3 patients synovial hypertrophy were detected. Among all 50 patients, osteonecrosis were detected at only 2 (4%) in the postoperative period. Until now it was not clear that RF energy causes osteonecrosis; however, according to this study if proper method is used, bipolar RF energy used for arthroscopic chondroplasty does not causes subchondral osteonecrosis.
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Lotto ML, Wright EJ, Appleby D, Zelicof SB, Lemos MJ, Lubowitz JH. Ex vivo comparison of mechanical versus thermal chondroplasty: assessment of tissue effect at the surgical endpoint. Arthroscopy 2008; 24:410-5. [PMID: 18375272 DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2007.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2007] [Revised: 09/15/2007] [Accepted: 09/29/2007] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to evaluate tissue effect (tissue removal plus underlying cell death) of two chondroplasty techniques: mechanical debridement (MD) using a rotary shaver blade and thermal chondroplasty using radiofrequency energy (RFE). METHODS Forty-eight human chondromalacic cartilage samples were treated with either MD or RFE. Pre- and post-treatment arthroscopic images of the cartilage surface were recorded. Samples were incubated with cell viability stain and visualized with confocal laser microscopy to determine tissue effect. Smoothing was quantitated by three surgeons using a visual analog scale (VAS) as well as a subjective rating regarding whether smoothing was "arthroscopically acceptable." RESULTS Tissue effect at the surgical endpoint of arthroscopically acceptable smoothing was 385 microm for MD versus 236 microm for RFE, a significant difference (P < .0001). Mean post-treatment VAS for MD was 2.8 points less smooth than for RFE (P < .0001). Overall, arthroscopically acceptable smoothing was achieved in 90% of RFE samples compared to 49% of MD samples. CONCLUSIONS Our results shown that chondroplasty using a RFE probe results in greater smoothing of chondromalacic cartilage in fewer treatment passes and with decreased total tissue effect than MD using a rotary shaver blade. CLINICAL RELEVANCE If safety and efficacy can be shown in vivo, thermal chondroplasty may represent an alternative for treatment of symptomatic chondromalacia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie L Lotto
- Endoscopy Division, Smith & Nephew, Andover, Massachusetts, USA
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Hette K, Rahal SC, Volpi RS, Ferreira DOL, Teixeira CR. Artroscopia do joelho de ovinos. PESQUISA VETERINARIA BRASILEIRA 2008. [DOI: 10.1590/s0100-736x2008000200005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
O trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar artroscopicamente a articulação do joelho de ovinos hígidos em diferentes idades, com o intuito de determinar, de acordo com os portais estabelecidos, a capacidade de observação das estruturas. Utilizaram-se 18 animais da raça Santa Inês, divididos em três grupos experimentais eqüitativos, conforme a idade cronológica, sendo: Grupo I, 6-8 meses (peso médio de 25 kg); Grupo II, 2 anos (peso médio de 50 kg); e Grupo III, 3,5-5 anos (peso médio de 55 kg). Foram estabelecidos três portais: (1) portal artroscópico primário, craniolateral; (2) portal para fluxo de drenagem; e (3) portal instrumental, craniomedial. Identificaram-se com facilidade a patela, sulco e bordas trocleares, côndilos medial e lateral do fêmur, e tendão do músculo extensor longo dos dedos. Após a remoção da maior parte do coxim gorduroso infrapatelar com emprego do "shaver" foram visibilizados, ainda com dificuldade, os ligamentos cruzados e os meniscos. Para a identificação dos primeiros foram necessárias movimentos de flexão e extensão e para os meniscos manobras de varo e valgo. O grau de dificuldade foi inversamente proporcional ao tamanho da articulação. Sendo assim, foi possível concluir que os portais artroscópicos utilizados possibilitaram a identificação das principais estruturas articulares, independente da idade, e o método em si teve por vantagem a rápida recuperação pós-operatória dos animais.
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Hatayama K, Higuchi H, Kimura M, Takeda M, Ono H, Watanabe H, Takagishi K. Histologic changes after meniscal repair using radiofrequency energy in rabbits. Arthroscopy 2007; 23:299-304. [PMID: 17349474 DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2006.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2006] [Revised: 09/22/2006] [Accepted: 10/31/2006] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Our purpose was to investigate histologic changes in the rabbit meniscus after meniscal repair via radiofrequency energy (RFE). METHODS Twenty Japanese white rabbits underwent bilateral knee arthrotomies, and a longitudinal tear was made in the avascular area of both medial menisci. On the right knees, RFE treatment (60 degrees C and 40 W) was performed on the femoral surface of the meniscal tear in monopolar mode. On the left knees, the meniscus was left untreated as a control. The rabbits were killed at 0, 1, 2, 4, or 12 weeks after surgery, and all medial menisci were examined histologically. The expression of autocrine motility factor in meniscal fibrochondrocytes was examined by immunohistochemical analysis. RESULTS Histologic examination at baseline showed fusion of collagen fibers in the tear. Failure of fusion was found in 2 of 4 menisci at 2 weeks and 1 of 4 menisci at 4 and 12 weeks. One week after surgery, the specimens showed an acellular area as a result of fibrochondrocyte death. The acellular area expanded deeper until 4 weeks and was reduced at 12 weeks. On the femoral surface of the RFE-treated area, fibroblast proliferation was found at 2 weeks, and fibroblasts had invaded into the meniscus tissue from the meniscal surface at 12 weeks. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the expression of autocrine motility factor in RFE-treated menisci was significantly higher than that in control menisci from 1 to 12 weeks. CONCLUSIONS RFE treatment at 60 degrees C and 40 W fused the collagen fiber in the meniscal tear in rabbits just after surgery. After RFE treatment, an acellular area developed as a result of fibrochondrocyte damage. RFE caused fibroblast proliferation at 2 weeks. The acellular area was reduced by cell repopulation at 12 weeks. CLINICAL RELEVANCE RFE may induce fibroblast proliferation for meniscal repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhisa Hatayama
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Gunma University Faculty of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan.
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Edwards RB, Lu Y, Uthamanthil RK, Bogdanske JJ, Muir P, Athanasiou KA, Markel MD. Comparison of mechanical debridement and radiofrequency energy for chondroplasty in an in vivo equine model of partial thickness cartilage injury. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2007; 15:169-78. [PMID: 16905340 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2006.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2006] [Accepted: 06/30/2006] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to develop a long-term model of cartilage injury that could be used to compare the effects of radiofrequency energy (RFE) and mechanical debridement as a treatment. METHODS Partial thickness fibrillation of patellar cartilage was created in 16 mature ponies. Three months after the initial surgery all injured patellae were randomly selected to receive one of the four treatments (n = 8/treatment): (1) control, (2) mechanical debridement with a motorized shaver, (3) TAC-CII RFE probe, and (4) CoVac 50 RFE probe. The ponies were euthanized 22 months after treatment. Macroscopic appearance of the cartilage surface was scored, vital cell staining was used to determine chondrocyte viability and light microscopy was used to grade the morphometric changes within the cartilage. Mechanical properties (aggregate modulus, Poisson's ratio and permeability) also were determined and compared to normal uninjured cartilage. RESULTS There were no differences in the cartilage surface scores among the treatment groups and control samples (P > 0.05). The maximum depth of cell death and the percentage of dead area in control and mechanical debridement groups were significantly less than those in both RFE groups. There were no significant differences in maximum depth and the percentage of dead area between the two RFE treatment groups. Histologic scores demonstrated better cartilage morphology for the control and mechanical debridement groups than those of RFE groups. However, even with full thickness chondrocyte death, the matrix in the RFE treated sections was still retained and the mechanical properties of the treated cartilage did not differ from the mechanical debridement group. CONCLUSION RFE caused greater chondrocyte death and more severe morphological changes compared to untreated degenerative cartilage and mechanical debridement in this model.
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Affiliation(s)
- R B Edwards
- Comparative Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Department of Surgical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706-1102, USA
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Voss JR, Lu Y, Edwards RB, Bogdanske JJ, Markel MD. Effects of thermal energy on chondrocyte viability. Am J Vet Res 2007; 67:1708-12. [PMID: 17014320 DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.67.10.1708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the critical temperature that reduces chondrocyte viability and evaluate the ability of chondrocytes to recover after exposure to the critical temperature. SAMPLE POPULATION Cartilage explants obtained from the humeral heads of 30 sheep. PROCEDURES In a randomized block design, 318 full-thickness cartilage explants were collected from 30 humeral heads of sheep and cultured for up to 14 days. On the first day of culture (day 0), explants were subjected to temperatures of 37 degrees , 45 degrees , 50 degrees , 55 degrees , 60 degrees , or 65 degrees C for 5 minutes by heating culture tubes in a warming block. The ability for chondrocytes to recover after exposure to the critical temperature was determined by evaluating viability at days 0, 1, 3, 7, and 14 days after heating. Images were analyzed by use of confocal laser microscopy. RESULTS Analysis of images revealed a significant decrease in live cells and a significant increase in dead cells as temperature increased. Additionally, the deepest layer of cartilage had a significantly lower percentage of live cells, compared with values for the 3 most superficial layers. Chondrocytes did have some ability to recover temporarily after the initial thermal insult. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE A strong relationship exists between increasing temperature and cell death, with a sharp increase in chondrocyte death between 50 degrees and 55 degrees C. Chondrocytes in the deepest cartilage layer are most susceptible to thermal injury. The threshold of chondrocyte recovery from thermal injury is much lower than temperatures reached during chondroplasty by use of most radiofrequency energy devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica R Voss
- Comparative Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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Lotto ML, Lu Y, Mitchell ME, Wright EJ, Lubowitz JH, Markel MD. An ex vivo thermal chondroplasty model: the association of a char-like layer and underlying cell death. Arthroscopy 2006; 22:1159-62. [PMID: 17084290 DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2006.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2005] [Revised: 06/02/2006] [Accepted: 06/05/2006] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relation between the char-like layer observed during radiofrequency energy (RFE) treatment of cartilage and the depth of underlying cell death. METHODS Healthy adult bovine patellae were treated with a monopolar RFE probe ex vivo at generator settings of 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 80, and 110 in cut mode. The presence or absence of a char-like layer and visual electrical discharge was noted. Treated tissue was incubated with cell viability stain, and the depth of cell death and matrix debridement was measured from confocal laser microscopy images. RESULTS At generator settings of 60 and above, a char-like layer, electrical discharge, and matrix debridement were consistently observed, and the depth of cell death was significantly less (P < .05) than when these features were not observed (< or =30). Paradoxically, the least depth of cell death did not occur at the lowest generator setting in cut mode. It occurred at a generator setting of 60. An increase in impedance of the system and a decrease in current were also associated with reduced cell death. CONCLUSIONS In this controlled ex vivo study formation of a char-like layer, visual electrical discharge, increased impedance, and reduced current were associated with less depth of cell death when cartilage was treated with monopolar RFE. CLINICAL RELEVANCE This study suggests that a char-like layer and electrical discharge during RFE treatment of cartilage may be advantageous because, potentially, these features are associated with less depth of cell death (safety) and greater matrix debridement (efficacy).
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie L Lotto
- Comparative Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.
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Bonutti PM, Seyler TM, Delanois RE, McMahon M, McCarthy JC, Mont MA. Osteonecrosis of the knee after laser or radiofrequency-assisted arthroscopy: treatment with minimally invasive knee arthroplasty. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2006; 88 Suppl 3:69-75. [PMID: 17079370 DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.f.00533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Osteonecrosis of the knee after various arthroscopic procedures associated with the use of laser or radiofrequency devices has been described in a few case reports. The purpose of this study was to report on a series of nineteen patients with osteonecrosis of the knee after arthroscopic procedures. A literature search was done to compare this series of patients to previously reported cases. In addition, we analyzed the outcome after treatment with minimally invasive knee arthroplasty. METHODS We studied patients who had development of osteonecrosis of the knee after a routine arthroscopic procedure. Preoperative and postoperative clinical notes, radiographs, and magnetic resonance images of patients were analyzed. Only those patients with no evidence of osteonecrosis on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging who later had development of osteonecrosis and subsequently required a knee arthroplasty were included. We conducted a search of the current literature to compare the results seen in our patient population with those seen in other patients with this entity. Patients were followed both clinically and radiographically for a mean of sixty-two months. RESULTS A total of nineteen patients met the inclusion criteria. There were fourteen women and five men with a mean age of sixty-nine years. Six patients underwent an arthroscopy with associated holmium or yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser treatment, ten patients had associated radiofrequency treatment, and three patients had microfracture surgery. Subsequent arthroplasty procedures included four unicompartmental knee arthroplasties and fifteen tricompartmental knee arthroplasties. At the time of final follow-up, the mean Knee Society objective score was 95 points. CONCLUSIONS Arthroscopic procedures may play a role in the development of osteonecrosis of the knee. To our knowledge, this is the largest series of patients to have development of this condition after arthroscopy with associated laser, radiofrequency, or microfracture surgery. The midterm results of knee arthroplasty in this unique patient population are comparable with those of patients undergoing knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis of the knee. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions to Authors on jbjs.org for a complete description of levels of evidence.
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Lu Y, Markel MD, Swain C, Kaplan LD. Development of partial thickness articular cartilage injury in an ovine model. J Orthop Res 2006; 24:1974-82. [PMID: 16894593 DOI: 10.1002/jor.20249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to create a controlled partial thickness cartilage lesion in a sheep model, and to provide a foundation to study the natural history of the progression of this lesion. Twenty-eight sheep divided into four groups (1, 12, 24, and 52 weeks, n=7/group) were used in this study. In one stifle, a mechanical tool was used to create a 200 microm partial thickness lesion (1.5x1.5 cm2) on the medial femoral condyle via arthroscopy. Joint fluid was drawn presurgery and after euthanasia for analysis of collage II 3/4 C (long) (C2C). After euthanasia, the condyle was analyzed by gross appearance, confocal laser microscopy (CLM) for cell viability, scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) for surface roughness, Artscan for cartilage stiffness, and histology for cartilage morphology. The gross appearance of the treated area appeared rough, soft, and swollen compared to untreated control over time. CLM demonstrated that the depth of cell death increased to 590 microm at 52 weeks after surgery. SEM demonstrated that the treated area became more irregular over time. Stiffness of the treated area was significantly less than control by 12 weeks after surgery. Histologic analysis demonstrated that the 12, 24, and 52 week groups had significantly poorer histologic scores than the 1 week group. Joint fluid analysis demonstrated that the treatment group at 1 week had significant higher levels of C2C than the pretreatment baseline data. The results of this study demonstrated that partial thickness injury of cartilage continued to propagate and degenerate over time in this sheep model. Options for the prevention or treatment of this lesion may be tested using this model in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Lu
- Comparative Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA
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McKeon B, Baltz MS, Curtis A, Scheller A. Fluid temperatures during radiofrequency use in shoulder arthroscopy: a cadaveric study. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2006; 16:107-11. [PMID: 17011798 DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2006.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2005] [Accepted: 01/20/2006] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Cadaveric shoulders underwent thermal capsulorrhaphy and subacromial decompression with 3 different commercially available radiofrequency (RF) devices to evaluate local and regional fluid temperatures while arthroscopic procedures were being performed. Fifteen completely thawed fresh-frozen shoulders underwent both thermal capsulorrhaphy and subacromial decompression. During thermal capsulorrhaphy, Fluoroptic mini-thermometer probes (Luxtron model 3000) were placed in the inflow bag; in the glenohumeral joint, near the inferior glenohumeral ligament; and on the RF wand. During subacromial decompression, the temperature probes were placed in the anterior and posterior subacromial space, as well as in the inflow bag and on the RF wand. All data were initially analyzed by use of analysis of variance, followed by pairwise comparison, adjusted for multiple testing by use of the Scheffé method. Mean fluid temperatures (in degrees Celsius [+/- SD]) were highest at the RF wand during both capsulorrhaphy and subacromial decompression. Mean fluid temperatures were much lower at other recorded sites. In this model, we show no deleterious elevation in arthroscopic fluid temperature while performing thermal capsulorrhaphy or subacromial decompression using any of the 3 devices at their recommended settings.
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Rauch B, Edwards RB, Lu Y, Hao Z, Muir P, Markel MD. Comparison of techniques for determination of chondrocyte viability after thermal injury. Am J Vet Res 2006; 67:1280-5. [PMID: 16881837 DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.67.8.1280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare 2 methods of quantitating chondrocyte viability and to determine chondrocyte response to thermal injury over time. SAMPLE POPULATION 108 stifle joints from 54 adult rats. PROCEDURES Cartilage from the distal aspect of the femur was treated ex vivo with radiofrequency energy at a probe setting that would result in immediate partial-thickness chondrocyte death; untreated sections served as controls. Explants were cultured, and cell viability was compared by use of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) histochemical staining and calcein AM and ethidium homodimer-1 confocal laser microscopy (CLM) cell viability staining. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated X-dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) was used to detect apoptosis. All labeling studies were performed 0, 1, 3, 7, 14, and 21 days after treatment. RESULTS In the treated tissues, a greater percentage of viable cells were found with CLM, compared with LDH staining. This result contrasted that of control tissues in which LDH staining indicated a greater percentage of live cells than CLM. The greatest number of TUNEL-positive chondrocytes was present at day 3, declining at later time intervals. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE CLM and LDH histochemistry techniques yield different absolute numbers of live and dead cells, resulting in differing percentages of live or dead cells with each technique. These differences may be related to the enzymes responsible for activation in each technique and the susceptibility of these enzymes to thermal injury. Results of TUNEL indicate that apoptosis contributes to chondrocyte death after thermal injury, with a peak signal identified 3 days after insult.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth Rauch
- Comparative Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 53706-1102, USA
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Yasura K, Nakagawa Y, Kobayashi M, Kuroki H, Nakamura T. Mechanical and biochemical effect of monopolar radiofrequency energy on human articular cartilage: an in vitro study. Am J Sports Med 2006; 34:1322-7. [PMID: 16685093 DOI: 10.1177/0363546506287742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are growing concerns about thermal chondroplasty using radiofrequency energy to treat partial-thickness cartilage defects. However, most studies emphasize effects on chondrocyte viability, and other factors such as mechanical properties are less studied. HYPOTHESIS Radiofrequency energy may cause significant effects on articular cartilage other than chondrocyte viability. STUDY DESIGN Controlled laboratory study. METHODS Human osteoarthritic cartilage samples were obtained from total knee arthroplasty, and monopolar radiofrequency energy was applied using commercially available equipment. Material properties (compressive stiffness, surface roughness, and thickness) just before and after thermal treatment were determined using ultrasound. A series of biochemical analyses were also performed after explant culture of the samples. RESULTS The cartilage surface became smoother by radiofrequency energy, whereas cartilage stiffness or thickness was not altered significantly. Collagen fibrils, especially in the superficial layers, were converted to denatured form, whereas proteoglycan contents released in the media as well as retained in the tissue remained unchanged. The concentrations of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1 and MMP-2) were reduced remarkably. CONCLUSION Radiofrequency energy is able to create a smooth cartilage surface and reduce catabolic enzymes at the cost of collagen denaturation and chondrocyte death in the superficial layers. The stiffness of the cartilage is not changed at time zero. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Further animal as well as clinical studies will be necessary to fully evaluate the long-term effects of radiofrequency energy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ko Yasura
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 54 Kawahara-Cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
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Spahn G, Fröber R, Linss W. Treatment of chondral defects by hydro jet. Results of a preliminary scanning electron microscopic evaluation. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 2006; 126:223-7. [PMID: 16249903 DOI: 10.1007/s00402-005-0002-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2002] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Arthroscopic methods in treatment of chondral defects aim to get smooth cartilage surfaces. Mechanical and thermal methods are used. Often the clinical results are poor or moderate. The treatment of chondral defects by using a hydro jet is an innovative measure. This study was aimed to evaluate the quality of the chondral surfaces after mechanical, thermal and hydro jet treatments in an in vitro scanning electron microscopy (SEM) study. MATERIALS AND METHODS Femoral osteochondral pieces of the lateral condyle were obtained intraoperatively from patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty for primary knee OA. Partial-thickness cartilage degree II defects were smoothed by a mechanical shaver, bipolar radio frequency energy (RF) and hydro jet (84.1 KPa). SEM was carried out to evaluate the effects of the treatment. RESULTS Mechanical shaving produces a rough surface with groves and open lying collagen fibers. The surface, after bipolar cool ablation (coablation) was also uneven. The matrix was destroyed by massive vacuolization. Hydro jet treatment produces a relatively smooth surface without open lying collagen fibers. CONCLUSION It is not possible to produce even surfaces by mechanical shaving or bipolar treatment. Hydro jet treatment allows a precise cutting which causes a relatively smooth chondral surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunter Spahn
- Clinic of Traumatology and Orthopedic Surgery Eisenach, Sophienstrasse 16, 99817 Eisenach, Germany. spahn.@pk-eisenach.de
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Uthamanthil RK, Edwards RB, Lu Y, Manley PA, Athanasiou KA, Markel MD. In vivo study on the short-term effect of radiofrequency energy on chondromalacic patellar cartilage and its correlation with calcified cartilage pathology in an equine model. J Orthop Res 2006; 24:716-24. [PMID: 16514662 DOI: 10.1002/jor.20108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Chondromalacia can cause joint pain and synovial effusion with the potential for developing into osteoarthritis. Thermal chondroplasty using radiofrequency energy (RFE) has been reported to be superior to mechanical debridement for treating chondromalacia. We compared short-term changes in biomechanical properties of articular cartilage after treatment with monopolar (mRFE) or bipolar RFE (bRFE) or mechanical debridement (MD) on experimentally created grade II chondromalacia patellae. Chondromalacia patellae was created arthroscopically in both patellae of 15 ponies. Ten months after surgery, each patella was randomly assigned to one of four experimental groups: sham operated, untreated control; MD; bRFE; and mRFE. Animals were euthanized 6 months after treatment and fresh osteochondral sections were collected from the treated area, the border of the chondromalacic and nonchondromalacic area, and from two untreated areas for analysis of mechanical properties. The same areas were harvested from an additional six untreated ponies. The aggregate modulus (H(A)), Poisson's ratio (nu(s)), and permeability (k) were determined for each area under creep indentation, and cartilage thickness was measured with a needle probe. The relation between zone of calcified cartilage (ZCC) and mechanical properties of hyaline cartilage (HC) was assessed histomorphometrically. Treated areas of all four groups had inferior mechanical properties compared at the same location. The treated and border areas had significantly lower H(A) values than the untreated areas. Permeability values showed significant differences between bRFE and other treated groups. Chondromalacic areas showed thinning of cartilage compared to nonchondromalacic areas. Biomechanical properties of the injured cartilage were inferior to nonchondromalacic cartilage regardless of the treatment type. mRFE had the highest stiffness value compared to other treatments and significantly higher values than MD. A significant correlation was observed between the mechanical properties of HC and ZCC thickness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh K Uthamanthil
- Department of Medical Sciences, Comparative Orthopedic Research Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2015 Linden Drive, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA
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Mitchell ME, Kidd D, Lotto ML, Lorang DM, Dupree DM, Wright EJ, Lubowitz JH. Determination of factors influencing tissue effect of thermal chondroplasty: an ex vivo investigation. Arthroscopy 2006; 22:351-5. [PMID: 16581445 DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2006.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2005] [Revised: 01/14/2006] [Accepted: 01/18/2006] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Scientific investigation of thermal chondroplasty using radiofrequency energy (RFE) is confounded by multiple factors associated with the technique. Our purpose was to determine the relative importance of the following factors on tissue effect (depth of tissue debridement plus depth of underlying cell death) of thermal chondroplasty: probe design, generator power setting, speed, force, and number of passes of the probe over treated tissue. We hypothesized the relative importance of these factors would be (from most to least important) power, passes, speed, force, and design. METHODS Bovine patellae were treated using monopolar RFE. Sample size was based on a 2-level, half-factorial design. Low and high extremes of the factors tested were power setting (50 W v 110 W), passes (1 v 5), speed (3 mm/sec v 10 mm/sec), force (0.15 N v and 0.59 N), and probe design (electrode protrusion 25 microm v 125 microm). Samples were incubated with cell viability stain and examined using confocal laser microscopy to determine tissue effect. Data were analyzed using multiple regression. RESULTS All factors that were tested significantly influenced tissue effect (P < .05). Power setting had the greatest effect, followed by design, speed, passes, and force. The following interactions of factors were also significant: design and force, power and passes. The optimal configuration resulting in least tissue effect was a power setting of 50 W, electrode protrusion of 25 microm, speed of 10 mm/sec, 1 pass, and 0.15 N of applied force during treatment, which resulted in a predicted tissue effect of 99 +/- 15 microm. CONCLUSIONS The least tissue effect of thermal chondroplasty was achieved with lower power using a probe with minimal electrode protrusion while performing a rapid, single, lower force pass of the probe over treated tissue. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Power and probe design have the greatest influence among the factors tested; selecting these parameters preoperatively could control tissue effect.
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Opinion On Thermal Energy Application on Articular Cartilage. Sports Med Arthrosc Rev 2005. [DOI: 10.1097/01.jsa.0000190104.85812.f9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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43
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Basic Science Applications of Thermal Energy in Arthroscopic Surgery. Sports Med Arthrosc Rev 2005. [DOI: 10.1097/01.jsa.0000191531.55312.d4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Byron CR, Benson BM, Stewart AA, Stewart MC. Effects of radial shock waves on membrane permeability and viability of chondrocytes and structure of articular cartilage in equine cartilage explants. Am J Vet Res 2005; 66:1757-63. [PMID: 16273907 DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.2005.66.1757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate in vitro effects of radial shock waves on membrane permeability, viability, and structure of chondrocytes and articular cartilage. SAMPLE POPULATION Cartilage explants obtained from the third metacarpal and metatarsal bones of 6 horses. PROCEDURE Equine cartilage was subjected to radial shock waves and then maintained as explants in culture for 48 hours. Treatment groups consisted of a negative control group; application of 500, 2,000, and 4,000 impulses by use of a convex handpiece (group A); and application of 500, 2,000, and 4,000 impulses by use of a concave handpiece (group B). Effects on explant structure were evaluated by use of environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). Membrane permeability was determined by release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Chondrocyte viability was assessed by use of vital cell staining. Comparisons of LDH activity and nonviable cell percentages were performed by ANOVA. RESULTS Cell membrane permeability increased significantly after application of 2,000 and 4,000 impulses in groups A and B. A significant decrease in cell viability was observed for application of 4,000 impulses in explants of group A. There was no detectable damage to integrity of cartilage explants observed in any treatment group by use of ESEM. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Radial shock waves do not appear to structurally damage articular cartilage but do impact chondrocyte viability and membrane permeability. Caution should be exercised when extremely high periarticular pulse doses are used until additional studies can determine the long-term outcome of these effects and appropriate periarticular treatment regimens can be validated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher R Byron
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61802 USA
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Abstract
The incidence of knee arthritis is increasing in our society and presents many dilemmas to the patient and doctor. Recent advances in arthroscopic treatment of arthritis have lead to the development of radiofrequency energy as an adjunctive tool for many arthroscopic procedures. Of great concern is the recent use of radiofrequency energy to treat articular cartilage lesions in the knee.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Thomas Vangsness
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
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Kääb MJ, Bail HJ, Rotter A, Mainil-Varlet P, apGwynn I, Weiler A. Monopolar radiofrequency treatment of partial-thickness cartilage defects in the sheep knee joint leads to extended cartilage injury. Am J Sports Med 2005; 33:1472-8. [PMID: 16009983 DOI: 10.1177/0363546505275013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The application of radiofrequency energy to smooth and stabilize the cartilage surface has become increasingly controversial. There is little knowledge on extended-term effects, such as cartilage viability. PURPOSE To analyze the effect of radiofrequency treatment on artificially created partial-thickness defects in the femoral cartilage of sheep knee joints 24 weeks after surgery. STUDY DESIGN Controlled laboratory study. METHODS Grade II cartilage surface defects on the medial and lateral femoral condyles were artificially created in sheep for in vivo analysis. The cartilage lesions were treated alternately on the lateral or the medial condyle using a monopolar radiofrequency probe. Radiofrequency treatment was performed in a freehand technique until surface smoothing without change of cartilage color was seen. At 24 weeks after surgery, cartilage samples were harvested and were processed for macroscopic and histological evaluation. To analyze the effect of radiofrequency at time zero, samples of sheep femoral condyle cartilage with and without artificially created clefts were treated in vitro with radiofrequency. Evaluation was performed by scanning electron and confocal microscopy. RESULTS At 24 weeks after surgery, grade IV cartilage defects were detected in all radiofrequency-treated samples. The histological findings showed a central ulcer and dead chondrocytes in the radiofrequency-treated regions. The radiofrequency-treated cartilage revealed partial surface irregularities with partial-defect repair. After radiofrequency treatment in vitro, samples at time zero showed smoothing of the artificially created clefts, as seen by scanning electron microscopy. Confocal microscopy showed necrosis of chondrocytes over approximately one fourth of the upper cartilage thickness. CONCLUSION Even if chondrocyte death is seen only in approximately one fourth of the upper cartilage layers in the sheep femur after in vitro application, radiofrequency treatment can cause damage to cartilage 24 weeks after application. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Caution is recommended in the application of monopolar radiofrequency energy by visual control to partial-thickness cartilage defects. Irregular fronds of chondromalacia may be unattractive but represent viable articular cartilage. Using radiofrequency to obtain a more visually pleasing smooth surface may be counterproductive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max J Kääb
- Center for Musculoskeletal Surgery, Charité, Humboldt University, Sports Traumatology and Arthroscopy Service, Schumannstrasse 20-21, D-10117 Berlin, Germany.
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Caffey S, McPherson E, Moore B, Hedman T, Vangsness CT. Effects of radiofrequency energy on human articular cartilage: an analysis of 5 systems. Am J Sports Med 2005; 33:1035-9. [PMID: 15888721 DOI: 10.1177/0363546504271965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous radiofrequency work has not rigidly controlled energy application to the articular cartilage, giving uncertain results published to date. HYPOTHESIS At minimal settings, radiofrequency probes cause cell death in measurable areas when applied to human articular cartilage. STUDY DESIGN Controlled laboratory study. METHODS Simulating operating room conditions, 5 commercially available radiofrequency probes were attached to a customized jig to standardize a minimal contact pressure of each probe tip to 2.0 g. Keeping all variables the same, probes were placed on specific points of fresh grade II human cartilage with treatment times of 1 and 3 seconds at the manufacturer's recommended settings. Grade III cartilage was also tested with a treatment time of 3 seconds, and grade II cartilage was studied with the probe held 1 mm off the cartilage surface. Cartilage was blindly analyzed by confocal microscopy using a live/dead cell viability assay to determine the extent of cell death. RESULTS Radiofrequency probes produced significant cellular death in the form of a half-circle into the cartilage to variable depths. For treatment times of 1 and 3 seconds, cell death measurements ranged from 404 to 539 mum and 1034 to 1283 mum, respectively. One probe failed to show any effect, with minimal evidence of cell death or cartilage smoothing. When probes were kept a 1.0-mm distance above the cartilage, no cell death or cartilage smoothing was noted. Radiofrequency treatment of grade III cartilage penetrated to the subchondral bone. There was no statistically significant difference between the damage caused by monopolar and bipolar probes when tested under these rigidly controlled conditions. CONCLUSION These results showed significant cellular death at these minimal conditions to the underlying chondrocytes with radiofrequency probes. Surgeons using this technology need to be aware of the power and dangerous potential these probes can have on articular cartilage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean Caffey
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Nho SJ, Freedman KB, Bansal SL, Romeo AA, Bach BR, Bush-Joseph CA, Turner DA, Cole BJ. The effect of radiofrequency energy on nonweight-bearing areas of bone following shoulder and knee arthroscopy. Orthopedics 2005; 28:392-9. [PMID: 15887586 DOI: 10.3928/0147-7447-20050401-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shane J Nho
- Section of Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rush Medical College of Rush University, Rush-Presbyterian St Luke's Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
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Meyer ML, Lu Y, Markel MD. Effects of Radiofrequency Energy on Human Chondromalacic Cartilage: An Assessment of Insulation Material Properties. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 2005; 52:702-10. [PMID: 15825872 DOI: 10.1109/tbme.2005.845155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to establish guidelines for the selection of an insulation material used to surround the electrode of radiofrequency energy (RFE) probes used for thermal chondroplasty. These guidelines were established by identifying which insulation materials resulted in the least amount of chondrocyte death while smoothing the surface of chondromalacic cartilage. RFE causes electrolyte oscillation and molecular friction in the tissue to heat it and subsequently smooth the surface. Material properties investigated included the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), thermal conductivity (TC), and volume resistivity (VR). Fresh human chondromalacic cartilage samples of Outerbridge grades II and III were obtained from patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. Stiffness measurements were taken pretreatment and posttreatment. RFE was applied to a 1-cm2 area for 15 s in a paintbrush treatment pattern. The insulation materials evaluated included Macor (decrease CTE, decrease TC, increase VR; in relation to CTE = 10 x 10(-6)/degrees C at 20 degrees C, TC = 3 W/mK, VR=1 x 10(14) ohm x cm), zirconia toughened alumina (ZTA) and 99.5% alumina (decrease CTE, increase TC, increase VR), aluminum nitride (decrease CTE, increase TC, decrease VR), Teflon (PTFE) (increase CTE, decrease TC, increase VR), partially stabilized zirconia (YTZP) (decrease CTE, decrease TC, decrease VR), and Ultem (increase CTE, decrease TC, decrease VR). There were no significant differences between pretreatment and posttreatment stiffness of the cartilage for any material investigated. Subjectively scored scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images revealed that the surfaces of all samples treated with RFE were relatively smooth with melted fronds. Prototype probes made with Macor, 99.5% alumina, and ZTA had TC < or = 30 W/mol x K and resulted in a mean of 35% less cell death (176+/-56 microm, 130+/-48 microm, and 114+/-33 microm, respectively) than aluminum nitride, PTFE, and YTZP (246+/-68 microm, 231+/-108 microm, and 195+/-89 microm, respectively). Macor, 99.5% alumina, and ZTA prototype probes all had VR > or = 1 x 10(14) ohm x cm and resulted in a mean 37% less cell death than aluminum nitride or YTZP. There was no apparent relationship between CTE and the depth of chondrocyte death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie L Meyer
- Comparative Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
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Abstract
The synovial joints provide a unique environment in which to carry out their critical mechanical function. The complex architecture of the articular cartilage normally provides painless motion throughout a variety of activities. Fluids secreted by cells in the superficial layers of the articular cartilage as well as in the synovium provide an almost frictionless articulation. The synovium also helps to maintain the aseptic environment found within the joint. The cartilage and fluid provide critical protection to the underlying bone. If any of these structures are damaged, or lose their efficiency, the ensuing cascade of damage inflicted on the joint can lead to catastrophic failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul K Ritchie
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Department of Orthopaedics, CU Sports Medicine and Shoulder Surgery, 311 Mapleton Avenue, Boulder, CO 80304, USA
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