Arthroscopic Treatment Results in Degenerative Osteoarthritis of the Knee

Abstract

Arthroscopic treatment (Lavage, debridement, abrasion) was performed in 85 knees of 83 cases having a mean age of 52 for degenerative osteoarthritis of the knee betweeen February 1991 and July 1996. In the preoperative radiological evaluation, Ahlback criteria were (used) and normal, grade 1, grade 2 and grade 3 cases were included in the study. The cases with an average follow-up period of 32 months were evaluated according to Patel and Aichroth criteria clinically. Although excellent and good results were achieved in 84% of the cases at the 6th month after treatment, this ratio fell to 58% 32 months of follow-up. It was concluded that, arthroscopic treatment is a good procedure in selected patients with knee osteoarthritis and it can delay major surgical procedures for a certain period but longer follow-up is necessary.