To correlate clinical results of arthroscopic debridement of degenerative knee with preoperative factors.

A retrospective survey of 61 patients (81 knees) with degenerative arthritis of knee treated with arthroscopic debridement from June 1995 to June 1997 was conducted. The average follow-up period was 22.7 months (12-35 months). There were 6 male and 55 female patients. The average age was 61.1 years. The arthroscopic procedure included excision of osteophytes, removal of loose body, meniscal trimming, synovectomy and irrigation of the knee joint. Statistical analysis was done for parameters such as knee alignment, joint space narrowing, flexion contracture, meniscal tear, articular cartilage degeneration, age, follow-up period and preoperative Insall knee score.

A statistically significant difference in clinical results was noted in the separate subgroups for radiographic alignment (chi-square test, P=0.007) and degree of cartilage degeneration (P=0.006). Those patients with joint space narrowing, flexion contracture, meniscal tear or low Insall knee score had poor results after arthroscopic surgery.

Though the result of arthroscopic debridement of degenerative knee is known to be unpredictable, some preoperative factors are correlated with poor outcomes, and arthroscopic treatment should be carefully selected.