Arthroscopic knee debridement in osteoarthritis in the older age can be satisfactory

Knee arthroscopy is one of the treatments for knee pain. In recent years, the use of knee arthroscopy in the treatment of osteoarthritis was challenged by several randomized-controlled trials, systematic reviews and meta-analyses. However, some design flaws are making the clinical decision harder. This study specifically explores the patient satisfaction from these surgeries to aid in clinical decision.

Knee arthroscopy can relieve symptoms and delay further surgical treatment in the older age.

Fifty patients accepted participation and were invited to a follow-up examination eight years post knee arthroscopy. All patients were above age 45 and diagnosed with degenerative meniscus tear and osteoarthritis. The patients filled follow-up questionnaires of function (WOMAC, IKDC, SF-12) and pain. The patients were asked to appreciate if they would have repeated the surgery retrospectively. The results were compared to a previous data base.

Thirty-six patients (72%) reported satisfaction of 8 and above (scale of 0-10) from the surgery and would have repeated it. A higher SF-12 physical score pre-surgery predicted a higher satisfaction rate (p = 0.027). Patients who were more satisfied from the surgery improved post-surgery in all parameters compared with the less-satisfied group (p < 0.001). Patients above the age 60 had similar parameters pre- and post-surgery compared with patients under the age 60 (p > 0.05).

Patients between the ages 46-78 with degenerative meniscus tear and osteoarthritis felt they benefited from knee arthroscopy in an eight-year follow-up and would repeat the surgery. Our research may help with better patient selection and suggest knee arthroscopy can relive symptoms and delayed further surgical treatment for the older patient with clinical symptoms and signs of meniscus related pain, mild osteoarthritis, and failed conservative treatment.

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