Abstract
Purpose To investigate whether applied radiofrequency energy (RFE) for shrinkage of the scapholunate interosseus ligament reaches temperatures required for ligament shrinkage while leaving adjacent structures unaffected. Methods Standard wrist arthroscopy was performed on 7 pairs of cadaveric limbs with continuous saline irrigation and gravity-assisted outflow through an 18-gauge needle. We ...
Abstract
Purpose To investigate whether applied radiofrequency energy (RFE) for shrinkage of the scapholunate interosseus ligament reaches temperatures required for ligament shrinkage while leaving adjacent structures unaffected. Methods Standard wrist arthroscopy was performed on 7 pairs of cadaveric limbs with continuous saline irrigation and gravity-assisted outflow through an 18-gauge needle. We subjected 14 scapholunate ligaments to treatment with monopolar (n = 7) or bipolar (n = 7) RFE for ligament shrinkage. Temperature was recorded simultaneously inside the dorsal part of the scapholunate interosseus ligament at a depth of 0.9 +/- 0.1 mm and at 6 other sites in and around the wrist because thermal shrinkage starts at 60 degrees C to 65 degrees C. Results We observed an increase in temperature corresponding to the time of energy application. The highest measured peak temperatures at the scapholunate ligament were 43 degrees C (monopolar) and 32 degrees C (bipolar). Mean temperatures at 30 seconds of application were 29 degrees C +/- 7 degrees C (monopolar) and 28 degrees C +/- 3 degrees C (bipolar). Conclusions Temperatures sufficiently high to induce ligament shrinkage were not reached with either monopolar or bipolar RFE. We did not monitor temperature levels responsible for damage on adjacent cartilage or immediately adjacent capsular tissue in this setting. (Copyright (C) 2015 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. All rights reserved.)
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