Vega HR, Carriedo RE, Torres RF, Valdés MML, Vega ZR, Terroba LV

Language: Spanish
References: 11
Page: 193-197
PDF size: 73.97 Kb.

ABSTRACT

Objective. Treatment for patellar chondromalacia by high frequency current, which is the purpose of the present paper, is compared to debridement of the patella and scissor lateral retinaculum release, either open or by arthroscopy, which has been the traditional treatment. Material and methods. From August 1999 through June 2001, a series of 30 adult patients, with an average age of 34.5 years (19 to 45), 24 female and 6 male, who had grade II-III bilateral patellar chondromalacia, were included for the present study. Those who had ligament instability, meniscal tears or other injuries that required an extra surgical procedure, were excluded from trial. Comparison was made in all patients between their right knee which was treated in the first term by mechanical shaving, and the left knee, which was treated in the second term by high frequency current, by arthroscopy in all cases. Patients were discharged from hospital in the same day as our department is for outpatient care. Results. No transoperative complications were produced in any case. In the postoperative period, a whole of 5 patients had a severe articular effusion and synovial inflammation; 2 in the right knee (mechanical procedure) and 3 in the left knee (radio-frequency procedure), demonstrating bacterial infection, which required additional surgery. Final result was satisfactory. Conclusion. Postoperative infection was produced by the higher frequency of this complication when surgery is performed in the second term as well as by an eventually greater carbonization than the average, rather than by the procedure itself.

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