Editorial Commentary: Raising the Osmolarity of Arthroscopic Irrigating Solutions May Be Chondroprotective: We Must Be Kind to Joints During Arthroscopy!

Abstract

The irrigation of joints during arthroscopic procedures typically uses a non-physiological solution. This replaces the natural synovial fluid and rapidly subjects the connective tissues to an alien hypo-osmotic environment in which cartilage cells are far more sensitive to iatrogenic injury. Raising the osmolarity of the irrigating solution may be a simple, safe, and effective chondroprotective strategy.