This study was performed to determined by follow-up observation, the result of the arthroscopic treatment for advanced degenerative arthritis of the knee joint.

During the period from January 1991 to December 1995, 270 cases had been followed for more than one year after arthroscopic treatment for degenerative arthritis of the knee joint. There were 66 males and 204 females of average age 61 years. On the Kellgren and Lawrence radiological grading system, follow-up radiography was conducted after the treatment in those cases Grade III before the treatment. A clinical assessment was performed pain, range of motion and the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score before and after operation, and the Baumgaertner scale was used for the 2 and 48 month follow-up after operation. Recurrence was considered to have occurred when conditions were the same as before treatment.

According to the Baumgaertner scale, clinical assessment showed overall rates of excellent and good in 191 cases (70.8%) at 2 month post-operatively, and 157 cases (58.1%) at 48 month post-operatively. Comparing the radiologic results before and after treatment using Baumgaertner's scale. the radiologically lower grade was the better result And a degenerative symptom was aggravated an average of 3.8 years.

This study shows that the arthroscopic treatment is an effective option if used during the early stage of degenerative arthritis of the knee joint.