Method and apparatus for controlled contraction of soft tissue

An orthopedic apparatus for delivering RF energy to ligaments, joint capsules and connective tissue to effect the controlled contraction of collagen fibers, the apparatus comprising:

• an orthopedic electrode including an electrode proximal end and an electrode distal end, the distal end including an energy delivering distal electrode portion comprising a tip having a generally planar surface with the periphery of the planer surface curving into a depending wall with radiused edges for delivering substantially uniform energy across the surface of the energy delivering distal electrode portion to an area of collagen fibers adjacent to the electrode to cause a controlled amount of contraction of the collagen fibers while minimizing dissociation and breakdown of the collagen fibers and minimizing ablation of tissue neighboring the collagen fibers;
• a handpiece connected to the electrode proximal end for enabling the energy delivering portion of the electrode to be moved relative to the collagen fibers to be contracted during the application of thermal energy;
• an RF energy source;
• and
• a cable to connect the RF energy source to the handle and the electrode.