Short-Term Effects of Different Arthroscopic Techniques in the Treatment of Chondral Defects (Shaving, Coblation, and Microfacturing)

Abstract

Background and Objective: Arthroscopic treatment of chondral defects includes different techniques. This study is intended to compare the short-term effects of mechanical shaving, electrosurgical coblation, and microfracturing.

Patients and Methods: In 123 patients suffereing from medial arthrosis of the knee joint, an arthroscopy was performed. Evaluation included determination of the Lysholm score and measurement of pain by a visual analog scale (VAS). In 47 patients, the chondral defects were shaved mechanically (group A). 32 patients underwent electrosurgical coblation (group B). In 44 patients, the chondral defects were subjected to microfracturing according to Steadman et al (group C).

Results: At follow-up after a period of 20.1 months, the Lysholm score had increased from 31.5±27.4 to 60.4±13.8 points (p < 0.05). Pain was reduced from 61.5±25.6 to 28.4±19.1 (p < 0.05). No differences were seen between the groups.

Conclusion: The results suggest that the differences between the methods of chondral treatment are only marginal. Due to the mostly poor outcome, the indication for arthroscopic treatment of gonarthrosis should be viewed critically.