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What are the current indications for use of radiofrequency devices in hip arthroscopy? A systematic review
Carlos Suarez-Ahedo1, S Pavan Vemula1, Christine E Stake1
11. American Hip Institute, Westmont, IL, USA.
Insights
Radiofrequency energy (RFE) devices have limited study in hip arthroscopy. Evidence on RFE safety and indications is insufficient, showing mixed results for treating hip pathologies.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Procedures
Background:
- Radiofrequency energy (RFE) devices are increasingly used in orthopedic procedures.
- Their specific role and safety profile in hip arthroscopy remain underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the literature and determine the role of RFE devices in hip arthroscopy.
- To evaluate the current evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of RFE in hip procedures.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted on PubMed using relevant keywords.
- Inclusion criteria focused on studies reporting outcomes of RFE use in hip arthroscopy, excluding reviews and experimental articles.
- Ten articles met the selection criteria for full analysis.
Main Results:
- The review included 10 studies involving 305 hips treated with RFE during arthroscopy.
- Outcome reporting varied, with most studies using patient-reported outcomes (PROs) or range of motion (ROM).
- Complications were rarely reported, and evidence on safety and indications was deemed insufficient.
Conclusions:
- Current evidence on the safety and indications for RFE devices in hip arthroscopy is insufficient.
- The literature presents mixed results on the utility of RFE in hip arthroscopy.
- RFE devices may be useful for specific intra-articular hip pathologies if used judiciously with precautions to prevent adjacent tissue damage.
Abstract:
The role of radiofrequency energy (RFE) devices has been minimally studied in hip arthroscopy. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of RFE devices in hip arthroscopy through a systematic review of the literature. We searched the PubMed database using the following Medical Subject Heading terms: hip arthroscopy, hip radiofrequency, thermal capsulorrhaphy, thermal chondroplasty and radiofrequency debridement. Two authors independently reviewed the literature and included articles based on predetermined inclusion criteria. We excluded review, technique and experimental articles. After title and abstract review, we selected 293 articles for full-text review. Ten articles met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. For the included articles, a total of 305 hips underwent arthroscopy with concomitant RFE treatment at a mean age of 25.7 years. Eight articles presented patient-reported outcome (PRO) instruments, one study did not report an outcome instrument but utilized an evaluation of postoperative range of motion (ROM) and 1 year magnetic resonance image (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) imaging. The remaining article measured only the ROM pre- and postoperatively. Only one of the articles reviewed reported complications. Current evidence on the safety and indications for use of RFE devices in hip arthroscopy is insufficient. The literature shows mixed results regarding its use in hip arthroscopy. Although the use of thermal energy is not without risk, if used judiciously and appropriate precautions are taken to avoid damage to adjacent tissues, those devices can be useful for the treatment of certain intra-articular hip pathologies arthroscopically.
