Warm irrigation fluid does not raise the subacromial temperature to harmful levels while using radiofrequency device.

Abstract

Sir, Radiofrequency (RF) systems are commonly used for the arthroscopic subacromial decompression. However, there is a concern that the thermal energy generated by the RF probes may have been caused soft tissue damage in the joint if excessive temperatures are reached.[1] Previous studies recommend using room temperature inflowing fluid that differs between 18°C and 24°C.[2] These suggestions bring an important concern, which is hypothermia. Warming of the irrigation fluid may reduce the risk of hypothermia, but the safe limit of the irrigation fluid temperature is unknown.[3] Our hypothesis was that warming the irrigation fluid to actual shoulder temperature would not raise the surrounding temperature to harmful levels while performing bursectomy by RF device.