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Percutaneous radiofrequency epiphysiodesis in a rabbit model: a pilot study
Roger F Widmann1, Terry D Amaral, Cemil Yildiz
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hospital for Special Surgery, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, 535 East 70th Street, New York, NY, 10021, USA. widmannr@hss.edu
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research
|March 23, 2010
Summary
Radiofrequency ablation offers a reproducible method for epiphysiodesis, successfully fusing the proximal tibial growth plate in rabbits. This minimally invasive technique shows promise as an alternative to traditional surgical approaches.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Procedures
- Skeletal Biology
Background:
- Epiphysiodesis techniques have advanced from open surgery to percutaneous methods.
- Radiofrequency ablation represents a novel approach to epiphysiodesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a new minimally invasive epiphysiodesis technique using radiofrequency ablation.
- To evaluate the impact of radiofrequency ablation on tibia length in a rabbit model.
- To histologically assess the effects on the proximal tibia physis and articular cartilage.
Main Methods:
- Percutaneous epiphysiodesis of the rabbit proximal tibia using a radiofrequency probe.
- Application of heat (90°C for 4 minutes) to the medial and lateral physis.
- Radiographic and histologic analysis of tibia length and growth plate at 2, 6, and 12 weeks.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in tibia length observed by 12 weeks (average 7.86 mm).
- Complete radiographic and histologic closure of the proximal tibial physis by 12 weeks.
- No evidence of articular cartilage damage on histologic examination.
Conclusions:
- Radiofrequency ablation is a reproducible technique for achieving epiphysiodesis.
- This method resulted in bone fusion of the proximal tibial growth plate in rabbits.
- Radiofrequency ablation may serve as a viable alternative to existing epiphysiodesis techniques, potentially for small bones.
