The effects of radiofrequency energy treatment on chondrocytes and matrix of fibrillated articular cartilage.

This study assesses the negative effects of varying degrees of radiofrequency energy exposure on fibrillated articular cartilage, particularly focusing on chondrocytes and matrix metabolism. It suggests a need for caution when using radiofrequency energy in the treatment of articular cartilage until further research on long-term effects is available.

Methodology

• The research was conducted in a controlled laboratory environment.
• Paired patellae (kneecaps) from 11 horses were used in the study. The patellae were fibrillated, meaning their surface was made rough or irregular. One patella from each pair served as the control, whereas the other patella was exposed to radiofrequency energy.
• The exposure to the radiofrequency energy was done at different settings – 20, 40, and 60 watts – for a duration time of 4 minutes.
• The researchers measured proteoglycan synthesis, proteoglycan degradation, and cell viability. Proteoglycans are proteins that are heavily glycosylated, contributing to cartilage elasticity.
• They also performed histologic sectioning of the explanted cartilage and scored for cellular characteristics, metachromatic matrix staining intensity, and tissue architecture. Then each section was quantitatively analyzed for cell death.

Findings

• The average peak surface articular cartilage temperatures were found to be 35.47 degrees C at 20 watts, 40.76 at 40 watts, and 44.81 degrees C at 60 watts.
• Treatment at all settings significantly decreased the synthesis of proteoglycans of the chondrocytes.
• Degradation of the proteoglycans was found to increase with increased power setting.
• Treating the cartilage with 40 and 60 watts significantly decreased cell viability to 81% and 73%, respectively.
• There were significant histologic changes observed in the superficial cartilage zone when treated with a 60-watt application.

Conclusions

• The study concluded that the use of radiofrequency energy on mechanically fibrillated articular cartilage resulted in a dose-dependent detrimental effect on chondrocytes and matrix metabolism.
• The researchers recommended that radiofrequency energy should be used cautiously for articular cartilage treatment until more research on its long-term effects is conducted.