Arthroscopic Lavage and Debridement in Degenerative Osteoarthritis of the Knee

Abstract

Arthroscopic lavage and debridement were performed in 52 knee of 46 cases with degenerative osteoarthritis who have adequate follow-up in our clinic between 1992-1995. According to Ahlback's radiological classification all cases were graded from 1 to 4. Following 3 months of surgery, 41 knees (78.8 %) presented very good and good results according to Patel and Aichroth criteria. Outcome declined to 61.5 % very good and good in 32 of the knees in a mean of 20.6 months.