OBJECTIVETo study the evaluation of bipolar radiofrequency (RFE) chondroplasty to cartilage injure.

METHODSSixteen goats underwent resection of anterior cruciate and medial meniscus to create cartilage injured model. Bipolar frequency energy chondroplasty were performed on injured articular cartilage 3 months after operation. The left knee was regarded as sham-operated control. The zero time effects and later changes of radiofrequency on cartilage surface and chondrocytes were observed.

RESULTSAt zero time, the rough injured surface became smooth, and clefts were melted. Some chondrocytes were dead in the superficial layer, cells in deeper layer remained alive. Three months later, the surface of the articular was smoother than the sham-operated side. The histological modified Mankin' s score of cartilage was significantly higher than the sham-operated side (operated side 12 +/- 4; sham-operated side 14 +/- 5, P < 0.01). The result of Fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACs) showed that there were no obvious difference of dead chondrocyte between operated side and sham-operated side, (24 +/- 10)% and (12 +/- 1)% (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSBipolar radiofrequency energy (1 grade) does not create more chondrocyte death than the sham-operated side. Bipolar radiofrequency chondroplasty is an appropriate method to treat articular cartilage injury.