Electrothermal chondroplasty--monopolar.

Despite the lack of clinical studies, monopolar RF energy is currently used for the treatment of grade 2, 3, and 4 chondromalacia. Basic science studies have confirmed that monopolar RF can mechanically debride the articular surface by smoothing, potentially reducing further delamination. However, a zone of thermal injury in the areas of treatment has been observed with loss of chondrocyte viability. Therefore, further use of this procedure lies in the surgeon's understanding of the potential deleterious effects of temperature on chondrocyte viability and the limitations of alternate treatment options. Monopolar RF energy is a potential alternative to other cartilage removal or smoothing techniques, but more science is needed to define optimal parameters for thermal chondroplasty. Great care is currently proposed in the selection of operative parameters by clinicians when using monopolar RF chondroplasty until safety and efficacy are confirmed.