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Title: Irrigating solutions used in arthroscopy and their effect on articular cartilage. An in vivo study

Journal Article · · Orthopedics (Thorofare, N.J.); (United States)
OSTI ID:6846684

The effect of arthroscopic irrigating solutions on articular cartilage was determined by the use of an animal model. Rabbit knee joints were irrigated continuously for two hours with either normal saline, Ringer's lactate, or sterile water. Subsequently, the rate of incorporation of /sup 35/SO/sub 4/ by articular cartilage was used to measure the effect of the irrigants on chondrocyte metabolism. In addition, the irrigated groups were compared to an unirrigated control group. There was no significant difference in /sup 35/SO/sub 4/ incorporation between the groups. This suggested that none of the irrigating solutions used in this study adversely affected articular cartilage function. On the basis of these findings, it appears that normal saline, Ringer's lactate, and sterile water can be safely used as irrigating solutions during most arthroscopic procedures.

Research Organization:
Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA
OSTI ID:
6846684
Journal Information:
Orthopedics (Thorofare, N.J.); (United States), Vol. 11
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English