Radiofrequency Microtenotomy for Elbow Epicondylitis: Midterm Results.

We conducted a prospective, nonrandomized, single-center clinical study to evaluate the safety and midterm effectiveness of microtenotomy using a radiofrequency probe to treat chronic tendinosis of the elbow. All patients had failed conservative treatment for 6 months. The radiofrequency-based microtenotomy was performed using the Topaz Microdebrider (ArthroCare).

Radiofrequency stimulation for potential healing of meniscal injuries in the avascular zone.

We conducted this study to evaluate the effect of radiofrequency (RF) stimulation with suture repair on the healing of tears in the meniscal white-white zone. Fifty-four New Zealand white rabbits underwent surgically induced meniscal injuries within the white-white region. RF was applied using a 0.

Visualization of the extra-articular portion of the long head of the biceps tendon during intra-articular shoulder arthroscopy.

Purpose: To quantify the amount of the extra-articular long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) seen during intra-articular shoulder arthroscopy by pulling the tendon into the joint with a probe through an anterior portal while viewing through a standard posterior portal.

Methods: Intra-articular shoulder arthroscopy was performed on 10 forequarter cadaveric specimens. The extra-articular portion of the LHBT was evaluated by pulling the tendon into the joint with an arthroscopic probe inserted through an anterior portal.

A biomechanical assessment of tendon repair after radiofrequency treatment.

After acute tendon injury, rapid mobilization prevents adhesions and improves the ultimate strength of the repair. Radiofrequency (RF) ablation is proposed to enhance angiogenesis in the early stages of healing. The mechanism and effect of RF have not yet been described in an animal model of tendon injury.

Augmentation of tendon healing with butyric acid-impregnated sutures: biomechanical evaluation in a rabbit model.

Background: Butyric acid (BA) has been shown to be angiogenic and to enhance transcriptional activity in tissue. These properties of BA have the potential to augment biological healing of a repaired tendon.

Purpose: To evaluate this possibility both biomechanically and histologically in an animal tendon repair model.

The effect of butyric acid on normal tendons: a potential stimulus for extracellular matrix expression.

We propose comparing angiogenic effects of butyric acid (BA)-impregnated suture vs control suture on an aged tendon model. Twenty-four 3-year-old rabbits underwent bilateral Achilles tendon exposure. BA-impregnated orthopedic suture was sutured into one side, and a control orthopedic suture into the contralateral side similarly.

Adhesive capsulitis.

Adhesive capsulitis is a common problem seen in the general population by orthopedic surgeons. It is a problem that causes patients pain and disability, and symptoms can last up to 2 years and longer. The questions of when and how to treat the frozen shoulder can present challenges.

Radiofrequency-based plasma microtenotomy compared with arthroscopic subacromial decompression yields equivalent outcomes for rotator cuff tendinosis.

Purpose: This study aimed to determine whether radiofrequency (RF)-based plasma microtenotomy (microdebridement) was effective for treating chronic supraspinatus tendinosis.

Methods: The institutional ethics committee approved the study design, and all patients signed informed consent forms. Patients (age range, 30 to 70 years) were considered for enrollment if 6 months of active conservative treatment had failed and they had Neer stage II impingement syndrome, positive radiographic evidence of type II acromion, and magnetic resonance imaging or ultrasound evidence of supraspinatus tendinosis.

Nerve regeneration after radiofrequency application.

Background: Many patients with chronic tendinosis have experienced early pain relief after application of bipolar radiofrequency treatment. It is hypothesized that the mechanism of action may be the acute degeneration and/or ablation of sensory nerve fibers.

Hypothesis: After ablation or degeneration by bipolar radiofrequency, nerve fibers will have the ability to regenerate with time.

Arthroscopic versus open rotator interval closure: biomechanical evaluation of stability and motion.

Purpose: The purposes of this study were to investigate the differences between open and arthroscopic closure of the rotator interval (RI) on glenohumeral translation and range of motion. We also sought to determine if the addition of either an open or arthroscopic RI closure increases stability of the shoulder.

Methods: Fourteen fresh-frozen (10 paired) cadaveric shoulder specimens were mounted in a custom testing apparatus, and glenohumeral translation and rotation were obtained by using an optoelectric tracking system (Optotrak Certus; Northern Digital, Ontario, Canada).

Pain relief through an antinociceptive effect after radiofrequency application.

Background: Many patients with chronic tendinosis have experienced early pain relief after application of bipolar radiofrequency treatment. Pathologic nerve ingrowth or nerve irritation in the tendon has been considered as a possible cause of the pain experienced with tendinosis.

Hypothesis: Bipolar radiofrequency treatment will ablate nerve fibers, resulting in pain relief.

Arthroscopy of the subtalar joint and arthroscopic subtalar arthrodesis.

Subtalar arthroscopy has become a valuable adjunct to the tools used in lower extremity surgery. For the past 25 years, ankle arthroscopy has been in vogue for treating a variety of conditions. Subtalar arthroscopy has more treatment limitations and is more technically difficult to perform than ankle arthroscopy because of the anatomic confines and structure of the subtalar joint.

Meniscal debridement with an arthroscopic radiofrequency wand versus an arthroscopic shaver: comparative effects on menisci and underlying articular cartilage.

Purpose: Meniscal debridement with an arthroscopic radiofrequency (RF) wand versus an arthroscopic shaver and their comparative effects on menisci and underlying articular cartilage were studied.

Methods: When repair is not feasible, degenerative or post-traumatic meniscal tears often need debridement. Six fresh bovine knees were harvested, the tibial plateau was dissected free from the femoral articulation and placed in a saline bath at 28 degrees C, with 10% to 15% of the posterior horn of menisci debrided arthroscopically, and the surfaces debrided using a basket punch plus shaver, punch plus RF wand, RF wand alone, and untreated control.

Microtenotomy using a radiofrequency probe to treat lateral epicondylitis.

Purpose: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of microtenotomy using a radiofrequency (RF) probe to treat chronic tendinosis of the common extensor tendon origins of the elbow (lateral epicondyle).

Type Of Study: Prospective, nonrandomized consecutive case series.

Methods: The average age of the 13 patients was 48.