The Effect of Normal Saline Irrigation at Different Temperatures on the Surface of Articular Cartilage: An Experimental Study in the Rat

Purpose: To determine, with an electron microscope, the effects of irrigation fluid at different temperatures on the surface of articular cartilage. Type of Study: Experimental in vivo study. Methods: With a scanning electron microscope, we investigated the effect of 2 hours of irrigation with normal saline at 3 different temperatures (4°C, 25°C, and 37°C) on articular hyaline cartilage in an in vivo rat knee model study. The contralateral knees were used as controls. We then compared the results. Results: Specimens irrigated with cold (4°C) fluid seemed to show the most uneven surface and apparent fibril exposure. Those irrigated with fluid close to body temperature (37°C) showed the most even surface without fibril exposure. Conclusions: Although further work is needed to evaluate the long-term effects, using warm irrigation fluid to maintain the intra-articular environment at a more physiologically normal temperature may help reduce damage to cartilage during irrigation.