Radiofrequency Controlled Ablation Technique for Arthroscopic Meniscectomy of the Knee

Despite mixed responses in the literature regarding knee arthroscopies, radiofrequency (RF) ablation remains a preferred method for partial meniscectomy of the knee. This technique is believed to offer advantages over traditional shaving methods, such as reduced risk of long-term fissure propagation...

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Main Authors: Amber Carroll, B.S., Chris Brice, P.T., D.P.T., Chaitu Malempati, D.O.
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-04-01
Series:Arthroscopy Techniques
Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212628724004699
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author Amber Carroll, B.S.
Chris Brice, P.T., D.P.T.
Chaitu Malempati, D.O.
author_facet Amber Carroll, B.S.
Chris Brice, P.T., D.P.T.
Chaitu Malempati, D.O.
author_sort Amber Carroll, B.S.
collection DOAJ
description Despite mixed responses in the literature regarding knee arthroscopies, radiofrequency (RF) ablation remains a preferred method for partial meniscectomy of the knee. This technique is believed to offer advantages over traditional shaving methods, such as reduced risk of long-term fissure propagation and enhanced precision. However, existing literature does not yield a conclusive status of RF’s risk-benefit profile, contributing to a mixed response to its recognized utility and safety in the arthroscopic community. This article details a procedure for performing partial meniscectomy with RF ablation using a feedback-controlled bipolar RF device (WEREWOLF FLOW50 Wand; ArthroCare/Smith & Nephew, Austin, TX), with a focus on parameters that can influence intervention safety. These parameters include device-specific factors such as energy transmission type and field density, as well as surgeon-specific factors such as rest/shutoff time, translation speed, and instrumentation depth. Postoperative care typically involves physical therapy, emphasizing early mobilization and strengthening exercises to ensure optimal recovery. Although our clinic has observed positive results with feedback-controlled bipolar RF for partial meniscectomy, further studies are necessary to conclusively determine the risk-benefit profile of this technique, including long-term follow-up to assess durability and patient satisfaction. Additionally, comparisons with other techniques could provide a more comprehensive understanding of its efficacy and overall impact on patient outcomes.
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spelling doaj-art-2dd4270b70404c6189c2fa76f4be958a2025-08-20T02:29:45ZengElsevierArthroscopy Techniques2212-62872025-04-0114410331610.1016/j.eats.2024.103316Radiofrequency Controlled Ablation Technique for Arthroscopic Meniscectomy of the KneeAmber Carroll, B.S.0Chris Brice, P.T., D.P.T.1Chaitu Malempati, D.O.2Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, University of Kentucky Med Center Health, Bowling Green, Kentucky, U.S.A.Address correspondence to Chris Brice, P.T., D.P.T., Med Center Health, Bluegrass Outpatient Center, 1751 Scottsville Rd, Ste 9, Bowling Green, KY 42104, U.S.A.; Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, University of Kentucky Med Center Health, Bowling Green, Kentucky, U.S.A.Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, University of Kentucky Med Center Health, Bowling Green, Kentucky, U.S.A.Despite mixed responses in the literature regarding knee arthroscopies, radiofrequency (RF) ablation remains a preferred method for partial meniscectomy of the knee. This technique is believed to offer advantages over traditional shaving methods, such as reduced risk of long-term fissure propagation and enhanced precision. However, existing literature does not yield a conclusive status of RF’s risk-benefit profile, contributing to a mixed response to its recognized utility and safety in the arthroscopic community. This article details a procedure for performing partial meniscectomy with RF ablation using a feedback-controlled bipolar RF device (WEREWOLF FLOW50 Wand; ArthroCare/Smith & Nephew, Austin, TX), with a focus on parameters that can influence intervention safety. These parameters include device-specific factors such as energy transmission type and field density, as well as surgeon-specific factors such as rest/shutoff time, translation speed, and instrumentation depth. Postoperative care typically involves physical therapy, emphasizing early mobilization and strengthening exercises to ensure optimal recovery. Although our clinic has observed positive results with feedback-controlled bipolar RF for partial meniscectomy, further studies are necessary to conclusively determine the risk-benefit profile of this technique, including long-term follow-up to assess durability and patient satisfaction. Additionally, comparisons with other techniques could provide a more comprehensive understanding of its efficacy and overall impact on patient outcomes.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212628724004699
spellingShingle Amber Carroll, B.S.
Chris Brice, P.T., D.P.T.
Chaitu Malempati, D.O.
Radiofrequency Controlled Ablation Technique for Arthroscopic Meniscectomy of the Knee
Arthroscopy Techniques
title Radiofrequency Controlled Ablation Technique for Arthroscopic Meniscectomy of the Knee
title_full Radiofrequency Controlled Ablation Technique for Arthroscopic Meniscectomy of the Knee
title_fullStr Radiofrequency Controlled Ablation Technique for Arthroscopic Meniscectomy of the Knee
title_full_unstemmed Radiofrequency Controlled Ablation Technique for Arthroscopic Meniscectomy of the Knee
title_short Radiofrequency Controlled Ablation Technique for Arthroscopic Meniscectomy of the Knee
title_sort radiofrequency controlled ablation technique for arthroscopic meniscectomy of the knee
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212628724004699
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