Arthroscopic Debridement for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis of the Knee

Objective: To investigate the diagnostic superiorty and remedial results of arthroscopic debridement for osteoarthritis of the knee.Methods 56 cases(70 knees)of osteoarthritis of the knee were treated with arthroscopic debridement from May 1995 to May 1999.The follow-up duration was from six months to four years.Results Osteoarthritis of the knees were confirmed in all the cases (70 knees) in arthroscopy,while only in 36 knees articular damages in X-ray film were investigated with the coincidence rate of 51.4%.The pain of knee after operation was decreased and exercises were encouraged in 2 to 3 weeks.The rate of the fine in follow-up of one year was 91%;in follow-up of two years was 67.8%.Conclusion Arthroscopic debridement may efficiently remit patient's pain,restore the articular function,delay the course of osteoarthritis of the knee and increase the accuracy of diagnosis.