Repair of Rabbit Knee Cartilage by Bipolar Radiofrequency with Different Energy Settings and Recovery Periods.

BACKGROUND: Arthroscopic bipolar radiofrequency energy (bRFE) is a common method for minimally invasive treatment of cartilage injuries. The benefits of bRFE are still controversial, and its safety has become the focus of attention. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to reveal the effects of energy setting and recovery period on the efficacy and safety of bRFE. METHODS: The New Zealand white rabbit knee cartilage injury model was established, and bRFE was used to treat the cartilage with different energy settings, including 20 W and 40 W, and recovery periods of 0 and 1 month. By observing the immediate and late results on damaged cartilage, along with chondrocyte apoptosis, the effects of energy setting and recovery period on the efficacy and safety of bRFE were accessed. RESULTS: The pathological conditions, surface profile and chondrocyte viability in the bRFE treatment group produced greater late effects and were significantly better than those in the model group. Nevertheless, bRFE produced a timely injury that resulted in an increased rate of apoptosis (p < 0.05), which was alleviated in subsequent recovery (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: bRFE can effectively trim and improve the cartilage lesion area, and reduce cracks. Although bRFE produced timely chondrocyte damage, this was alleviated on subsequent recovery. Therefore, bRFE with appropriate energy is beneficial to the recovery of cartilage damage, proper attention should be paid to the recovery period.