Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2011, Vol. 15 ›› Issue (46): 8561-8564.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-8225.2011.46.003

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Acute effect of radiofrequency energy on cartilage injury

Chen Qi1, Wang Da-ping2, Zhu Wei-min2, Liu Jian-quan2   

  1. 1Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou  510182, Guangdong Province, China
    2Department of Orthopedic Trauma, the Second People’s Hospital of Shenzhen. Shenzhen 518035, Guangdong Province, China
  • Received:2011-06-15 Revised:2011-09-15 Online:2011-11-12 Published:2011-11-12
  • Contact: Wang Da-ping, Doctor, Chief physician, Master’s supervisor, Department of Orthopedic Trauma, the Second People’s Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518035, Guangdong Province, China dapingwang@medmail.com
  • About author:Chen Qi★, Studying for master’s degree, Physician, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510182, Guangdong Province, China chenqi17@163.com
  • Supported by:

    the Science and Technology Programme of Shenzhen, No. 201001013*

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Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Articular cartilage injury has recently been treated with radiofrequency energy. But there still exists controversy about the energy settings of radiofrequency energy in clinical use.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the acute effect of bipolar radiofrequency energy with varying intensities on grade Ⅱ cartilage injury, and to explore the relationship between the intensity of radiofrequency energy and curative effect. 
METHODS: Three fresh bovine joints were selected to establish grade Ⅱ cartilage injury models. Then the joints were treated by the bipolar radiofrequency energy instrument for 30 seconds under different energy settings (30 W, 50 W, 70 W, 90 W, 110 W). At the same time, the control groups received the corresponding treatment.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: According to scanning electron microscope, the cartilage surface became smooth after treatment. Therapeutic effect was achieved under the radiofrequency energy setting of 70 W. There was a negative correlation between glycosaminoglycan release rate and radiofrequency energy intensity (P < 0.05). It indicates that cartilage cell activity decreased with the increasing of radiofrequency energy intensity. Therefore, the radiofrequency energy intensity should be controlled in minimum amount without compromising therapeutic efficacy.

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