Two types of radiofrequency energy are currently used for chondroplasty: thermal and ablative. The primary mode of operation for monopolar radiofrequency energy is thermal, whereas the primary mode for bipolar radiofrequency energy is ablation. The safety of radiofrequency energy in articular cartilage is investigated because these treatment modalities can result in injury of target and surrounding tissues. Histologic analysis is used to assess this degree of damages and the efficacy of these techniques, but the accuracy and relevance of the results are affected by the design and duration of the analysis. A review of recent studies using different methods of histologic analysis of articular cartilage subject to radiofrequency energy techniques is presented.