[Comparative study of arthroscopy and arthrotomy (economic aspects)]

Area of Science:

• Orthopaedic Surgery
• Sports Medicine
• Minimally Invasive Procedures

Background:

• Arthroscopic knee surgery has become a common procedure for meniscal injuries.
• Traditional open surgery for meniscectomy has longer recovery periods.
• Evaluating the comparative efficacy of arthroscopic versus traditional meniscectomy is crucial for patient care and resource allocation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the therapeutic results, hospitalization duration, convalescence period, and economic efficacy of arthroscopic meniscectomy versus traditional meniscectomy.
• To assess patient outcomes using objective measures like the Lysholm score and Tapper-Hoover functional classification.

Main Methods:

• A follow-up study was conducted on 302 patients who underwent arthroscopic meniscectomy and 326 patients who had traditional meniscectomy.
• Data collected included objective therapeutic results, hospitalization duration, and convalescence time.
• Patient outcomes were evaluated using the Lysholm score and Tapper-Hoover functional classification over an average follow-up period of 8.2 months.

Main Results:

• Arthroscopic meniscectomy resulted in a mean hospitalization of 2 days, compared to 7 days for traditional surgery.
• Convalescence was 20 days shorter with arthroscopic procedures, allowing athletes to resume physical activity 43 days earlier.
• The Lysholm score was 12 points higher in the arthroscopic group, indicating superior functional outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Arthroscopic meniscectomy demonstrates significant advantages in reduced hospitalization and faster recovery compared to traditional surgery.
• The improved functional outcomes and economic benefits strongly support the widespread adoption of arthroscopic techniques for meniscectomy.
• This study highlights the economic efficacy of arthroscopic knee surgery, leading to substantial cost reductions.