Anterior cruciate ligament rupture after thermal treatment in a canine model

The use of radiofrequency energy to treat damaged anterior cruciate ligaments is gaining popularity. However, complete rupture of the ligament after treatment has been reported.

To evaluate the effect of thermal energy applied arthroscopically to normal, intact anterior cruciate ligaments in mature dogs.

Controlled laboratory study.

Monopolar radiofrequency energy was applied to the normal anterior cruciate ligament of 1 knee in 18 dogs. The contralateral anterior cruciate ligament (also normal) was sham treated. Force-plate gait analysis was performed preoperatively and at 4, 8, 12, 16, 26, and 36 weeks after surgery. Anterior cruciate ligament rupture was detected by a sudden onset of nonweightbearing and a positive drawer sign.

All treated ligaments ruptured approximately 55 days after surgery (mean, 55 days; standard error, 1.6).

Although monopolar radiofrequency energy may have some potential in the treatment of lax anterior cruciate ligaments, in the application described here the result was a highly predictable deterioration and rupture of all treated anterior cruciate ligaments.

On the basis of these findings, we strongly recommend that strict selection and application criteria be used when considering use of this modality on anterior cruciate ligaments that are stretched or partially disrupted, or both. Use of this modality should be followed by adherence to a highly conservative rehabilitation protocol.