The effect of normal saline irrigation at different temperatures on the surface of articular cartilage: an experimental study in the rat.

Purpose: To determine, with an electron microscope, the effects of irrigation fluid at different temperatures on the surface of articular cartilage. TYPE OD STUDY: Experimental in vivo study.

Methods: With a scanning electron microscope, we investigated the effect of 2 hours of irrigation with normal saline at 3 different temperatures (4 degrees C, 25 degrees C, and 37 degrees C) on articular hyaline cartilage in an in vivo rat knee model study. The contralateral knees were used as controls. We then compared the results.

Results: Specimens irrigated with cold (4 degrees C) fluid seemed to show the most uneven surface and apparent fibril exposure. Those irrigated with fluid close to body temperature (37 degrees C) showed the most even surface without fibril exposure.

Conclusions: Although further work is needed to evaluate the long-term effects, using warm irrigation fluid to maintain the intra-articular environment at a more physiologically normal temperature may help reduce damage to cartilage during irrigation.