Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery · 1983 · 93 citations · 0 references
Arthroscopy and arthroscopic surgical procedures have become commonplace in orthopaedic practice. Normal saline solution, commonly used in large quantities as an irrigating solution, is in fact not physiological, and we showed that it inhibits normal synthesis of proteoglycan by the chondrocytes. Ringer lactate seemed to support cartilage metabolism as well as an "ideal" tissue-culture medium (Ham F12 solution). Since Ringer solution and normal saline cost the same in our hospital, we strongly recommend that this more physiological solution be used for arthroscopic procedures.