Arthroscopic Surgery For Symptomatic Osteoarthritis Of The Knee: Are We Helping Our Patients?

摘要

Over a three-month period, a postal survey was conducted of all hospital orthopaedic consultants in Wales. Of a total of 62 questions sent we received a reply of 37. 31 surgeons perform arthroscopic lavage or debridement. 4 surgeons perform arthroscopic surgery for symptomatic meniscal tear only. There was no defined protocol regarding the management. Early OA was the commonest indication (18). Arthroscopic lavage (17) was equally popular to lavage and debridement (16). 26 surgeons felt that the results of the procedure are unpredictable, but still continued to perform it. Arthroscopic surgery is a commonly performed symptomatic treatment for arthritic knee. The physiological basis for arthroscopic washout is not clear. It bears a significant financial commitment. Average cost of each operation is ￡1000. A majority of the Welsh surgeons have reservations about this procedure. In spite of evidence of limited usefulness, it is still performed widely.