Arthroscopic debridement of the osteoarthritic knee under local anaesthesia

This prospective study compared the efficacy of arthroscopic debridement in osteoarthritic knees under local, general or peridural anaesthesia. Between 1997 and 2001, 201 arthroscopic debridements were performed in 197 patients (173 partial meniscectomies, 192 articular trimmings, 119 microfractures, 201 lavage procedures) in 197 patients. Patients were treated under local (Group "L", n = 67), general (Group "G", n = 65) or peridural anesthesia ( Group "P", n = 65). No tourniquet was used. The follow-up ranged from 24 to 72 months (mean: 32 months). No major complication was noted. Results were assessed according to the scale of Baumgaertner et al independently from the type of anaesthesia used (p = 0.71). Results were excellent in 85 cases (L: 30, G: 27, E: 28), good in 75 (L: 25, G: 24, E: 26), fair in 27 (L: 9, G: 8, E: 10), poor in 14 (L: 7, G: 4, E: 3). Arthroscopic debridement of the osteoarthritic knee under local anaesthesia appears as an efficient, simple, safe, painless and cost-effective method of treatment.