Niloofar Namazi, MD; Fereydoon Mojtahed Jaberi, MD; Sara Pakbaz, MD; Amir-Reza Vosooghi, MD; Mehrad Mojtahed Jaberi, MD
Abstract
Background: Destruction of pain receptors around patella by electrocauterization is commonly used during total knee arthroplasty. Its effect on cartilage was the goal of this survey.Methods: In a clinical trail study, 20 rabbits, divided into two equality sized groups (experimental-control) and experimental ...
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Background: Destruction of pain receptors around patella by electrocauterization is commonly used during total knee arthroplasty. Its effect on cartilage was the goal of this survey.Methods: In a clinical trail study, 20 rabbits, divided into two equality sized groups (experimental-control) and experimental group underwent surgery via medial parapatellar arthrotomy of the knee joint. Electrocauterization denervation at a depth of 1 mm and a distance of 3 mm from border of patella performed in the cases animals. No patellar denervation was done in the control group. Range of motion of joint, macroscopic evaluation using modified outerbridge score, and histopathologic scoring were assessed after twelve weeks. Results: Finally, nine cases and eight control animals were included due to death of three animals. Full range of motion was seen in all rabbits. Statistically significant difference in outerbridge score (p < /em>=.002), cellularity (p < /em>=.016), loss of matrix (p < /em>=.004), and clustering of chondrocytes (p < /em>=.008) were obtained.Conclusions: Cartilage destruction may be the result of electrocauterization of patellar rim. So, routine electrocauterization should be discouraged.
