Abstract
Purpose This cadaver study investigated the temperature profile in the wrist joint and distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) during radiofrequency energy (RFE) application for triangular fibrocartilage complex resection. Methods An arthroscopic partial resection of the triangular fibrocartilage complex using monopolar and bipolar RFE was simulated in 14 cadaver limbs. The temperature was recorded ...
Abstract
Purpose This cadaver study investigated the temperature profile in the wrist joint and distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) during radiofrequency energy (RFE) application for triangular fibrocartilage complex resection. Methods An arthroscopic partial resection of the triangular fibrocartilage complex using monopolar and bipolar RFE was simulated in 14 cadaver limbs. The temperature was recorded simultaneously in the DRUJ and at 6 other anatomic locations of the wrist during RFE application. Results The mean temperature in the DRUJ was 43.3 +/- 8.2 degrees C for the bipolar system in the ablation mode (60 W) and 30.4 +/- 3.4 degrees C for the monopolar system in the cut mode (20 W) after 30 seconds. The highest measured temperature in the DRUJ was 54.3 degrees C for the bipolar system and 68.1 degrees C for the monopolar system. Conclusions The application of RFE for debridement or resection of the triangular fibrocartilage complex in a clinical setting can induce peak temperatures that might cause damage to the cartilage of the DRUJ. Bipolar systems produce higher mean temperatures than monopolar devices. Clinical relevance RFE application increases the mean temperature in the DRUJ after 30 seconds to a level that may jeopardize cartilage tissue. Copyright (C) 2016 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. All rights reserved.)
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