Electrosurgery in operative arthroscopy

Abstract

Electrosurgery is a useful tool in the orthopedic procedures outlined, including lateral release, synovial lesions, and shoulder impingement syndrome. The salient positive characteristic of electrosurgery is the capacity to obtain immediate and thorough hemostasis, thereby allowing the patient to begin a rehabilitative program far sooner than with conventional operative techniques. Less hemarthrosis also lowers the level of postoperative pain and the risk of postoperative infection. By becoming familiar with some of the basics of electrosurgery, including equipment and electrosurgical principles, the surgeon and staff can better utilize electrosurgery and be aware of the potential, yet avoidable, complications. The future appears bright for electrosurgery, with new equipment and procedures being developed, but more research is needed to clarify the long-term effects on tissues involved and the clinical results of patients.