Effect of irrigation fluids on the articular cartilage: a scanning electron microscope study.

Four irrigation solutions, two for general arthroscopic examination and two for electrosurgery, were evaluated for their effects on the ultrastructure of the articular cartilage surface using an animal model with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The murine knee joints were irrigated continuously for 1 or 2 h with normal saline, Ringer's lactate, 3% sorbitol, or distilled water, respectively. The articular cartilage of the patella was evaluated in situ; that is, the cartilage was kept intact as it related to the underlying bone tissue, so that artifacts during the biopsy procedure could be prevented. Results of the study showed no significant differences among the four solutions and the unirrigated control group. We conclude that Ringer's lactate, normal saline, distilled water, and 3% sorbitol can all be safely used as irrigation solutions in arthroscopic surgery.