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J Knee Surg 2005; 18(2): 116-122
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1248168
Original Article

© 2005 Thieme Medical Publishers

Second-Look Arthroscopic Observations After Radiofrequency Treatment of Partial Thickness Articular Cartilage Defects in Human Knees – Report of Four Cases

Ilya Voloshin1 , Kenneth E. DeHaven2 , J. Richard Steadman3
  • 1Boston University Medical Center, Boston, Mass
  • 2The Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester, NY
  • 3Steadman-Hawkins Clinic, Vail, Colo
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Publication History

Publication Date:
27 January 2010 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Partial thickness articular cartilage defects in the knee are commonly encountered clinical problems. Recently, use of radiofrequency-based devices for performing arthroscopic chondroplasty has gained popularity. However, published experimental studies using different methods for evaluating the histologic effects of radiofrequency-chondroplasty on surrounding cartilage offer contradictory results. To date, few clinical findings after radiofrequency-based chondroplasty have been reported. We present four patients where follow-up arthroscopy documented partial thickness articular defects treated previously with radiofrequency-based chondroplasty to be completely filled with stable repair tissue. No attempt was made to stimulate cartilage regeneration (ie, abrasion or microfracture) in any of these cases.

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