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A prospective review of arthroscopic debridement for degenerative joint disease of the knee

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Abstract

A prospective review of 254 patients with moderate or severe knee pain due to degenerative joint disease, treated by arthroscopic debridement of menisci, articular cartilage, osteophytes and loose bodies has been made 24 to 140 months (average of 44 months) after surgery. Patients ranged in age from 28 to 82 years with an average of 49 years. At review, 75% had minimal discomfort and improved function and 85% were satisfied with the treatment. Those with less radiographic arthritis, less severe involvement of articular cartilage at operation and of younger age had more worthwhile improvement. This procedure allows worthwhile relief of symptoms, and only 14% had a subsequent operation after an average period of four years.

Résumé

Nous avons étudié de façon prospective 254 malades ayant bénéficié d'une intervention arthroscopique pour lésion dégénérative du genou. Les opérations consistaient en résection méniscale et/ou cartilagineuse, excision d'ostéophytes, abrasion localisée et large lavage articulaire. L'âge moyen des opérés était de 49 ans (de 28 à 82) et la durée moyenne de la surveillance était de 44 mois (de 24 à 140). 75% des résultats étaient excellents ou bons, 15% passables et 10% mauvais, l'estimation étant à la fois subjective et objective. Au dernier examen, 86% des genoux n'avaient pas subi d'autre opération. La corrélation entre la sévérité de l'arthrose et le résultat était significative. Les patients âgés de moins de 60 ans présentaient les meilleurs résultats. Dans l'ensemble 85% des malades se déclaraient satisfaits de la chirurgie arthroscopique. Nous pouvons recommander le nettoyage sous arthroscopie en tant que procédé thérapeutique efficace dans les arthroses débutantes du genou. Il améliore l'état des malades, souvent pendant de longues années, avant que des interventions majeures, à foyer ouvert, ne deviennent nécessaires.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Westminster Hospital, Dean Ryle Street, SWIP 2AP, London, England

    P. M. Aichroth (Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon)

  2. Westminster Hospital, London, England

    D. V. Patel (Honorary Clinical Assistant and Research Fellow)

  3. Charing Cross Hospital, Fulham Palace Road, W6 8RF, London, England

    S. T. Moyes (Orthopaedic Registrar)

Authors
  1. P. M. Aichroth
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  2. D. V. Patel
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  3. S. T. Moyes
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Aichroth, P.M., Patel, D.V. & Moyes, S.T. A prospective review of arthroscopic debridement for degenerative joint disease of the knee. International Orthopaedics 15, 351–355 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00186877

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