Is Arthroscopy for Osteoarthritis of the Knee Unnecessary?
Currently over 27 million Americans suffer from Osteoarthritis of the Knee (KOA). Many people with moderate to severe conditions are offered arthroscopic surgery, physical rehabilitation or both as options to ease symptoms. Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure during which surgeons clean up the joint, removing cartilage and smoothing the surface of the articulating structures. In 2002, the use of arthroscopic surgery came under fire following the results of a published study that questioned its effectiveness. A study published last week in the New England Journal of Medicine backs up those original findings forcing physicians to reevaluate treatment options. Researchers at the University of Western Ontario randomly assigned 178 patients to receive arthroscopic surgery and physiotherapy or physiotherapy alone. All patients had previously been diagnosed with moderate to severe osteoarthritis of the knee. Both groups experienced improved symptoms after 2 years however, t
