Thermal arthroscopic chondroplasty using radiofrequency energy is widely used method. In daily orthopaedic practice we use 2 types of radiofrequency energy – monopolar and bipolar. One of the risky aspects of this method is considered transmural chondrocyte death. Necrosis depends on type, intensity and length of used radiofrequency energy. Some of published studies prove that monopolar radiofrequency energy has significantly lower risk of chondrocyte death in deep layers of the cartilage. Chondrocyte necrosis in 2000 micrometers was proved while using bipolar energy. We recommend being very cautious while performing arthroscopic thermal chondroplasty using radiofrequency energy with regard to risk of deep chondrocyte death.

        Key words: arthroscopy, cartilage, thermal chondroplasty, radiofrequency energy