Systems and methods for limiting joint temperature

A method comprising:

• positioning an electrosurgical instrument adjacent to a target site within a body or joint space, the electrosurgical instrument comprising an elongate shaft, an active electrode disposed on the elongate shaft, and a return electrode disposed on the elongate shaft;
• and then
• creating plasma proximate the active electrode by applying a high frequency voltage between the active electrode and the return electrode, wherein electrically conductive fluid provides a conductive path between the active electrode and the return electrode;
• and
• sensing temperature of electrically conductive fluid within the body or joint space, the sensing by a temperature sensor disposed on an exterior surface of the elongate shaft, the temperature sensor disposed proximally from the electrodes, and the temperature sensor electrically insulated from the electrically conductive fluid.

An electrosurgical probe comprising:

• an elongate shaft with a proximal end and a distal end;
• an active electrode positioned near or at the distal end of the elongate shaft;
• a return electrode positioned on the elongate shaft proximally of the active electrode;
• a temperature sensor spaced away from the active and return electrodes, the temperature sensor within or along the elongate shaft, the temperature sensor insulated from the elongate shaft, and the temperature sensor electrically insulated from tissues and fluids outside the elongate shaft;
• and
• a lumen extending along the elongate shaft configured to aspirate fluids, bubbles, tissue fragments, and/or products of ablation therethrough.