Arthroscopic Debridement in Osteoarthrosis of Knee Joint - Analysis of Short Term Benefits

This is the authors' abstract. We don't add key points for this paper.

BACKGROUND: Many studies have reported symptomatic relief after arthroscopic debridement of knee for osteoarthrosis. The purpose of the study is to find out the outcome of arthroscopic debridement in osteoarthrosis of knee and to arrive at a consensus regarding the subsets of patients with osteoarthrosis who will benefit from the procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 30 patients with osteoarthrosis were subjected for arthroscopic debridement. Patients included were of age greater than 50 years. Standard antero-posterior and lateral radiographs of knee were taken and grading was done using Kellegren and Lawrence system. Arthroscopic grading was done using the Outer bridge classification. Outcomes were assessed at multiple intervals over a 12 month period with a knee score and a functional score. RESULTS: Results were analyzed based on Knee society clinical rating system (1989). At the end of 1month 86.6% had excellent to good results. At the end of 6 months 60% had excellent to good results. At the end of 1 year 37.6% had excellent to good results. At six months follow up results was also evaluated based on different variables-varus deformity, radiographic and arthroscopic grading. Patients with malalignment more than 10 degrees and those with radiographic grading 3 or more were associated with poor results. CONCLUSION: Patients with mild to moderate osteoarthrosis benefitted with excellent to good results from the procedure. Results were good and long lasting particularly if there was minimal or no malalignment of knee or there was associated mechanical restriction of movement due to meniscal tear or loose bodies.