Abstract
Aim: According to NICE guidelines, only indication for arthroscopy of the knee, in patients with OA is clear history of ‘mechanical locking’. Are we meeting NICE guidelines?
Method: This was a retrospective study. Data was collected from the patient’s notes and WebPacs. All the patients aged more than 70 years who had knee arthroscopy in a year were included. Indications for arthroscopy, preservation of knee joint space at the time of procedure, complications and further follow up, were recorded.
Results: There were 77 patients with 79 arthroscopic procedures. Indications noted were true locking, mechanical symptoms, loose bodies, degenerative meniscus, OA, knee pain, and diagnostic procedure. Only 6 patients had mechanical locking. 30 patients had joint space less than 2 mm, 33 had between 2 to 4 mm. There were 3 complications including DVT (2) and recurrent knee swelling (1). Many patients were symptomatic. Out of 77 patients, 31 were already waiting to have, or had, arthroplasty at the time of study.
Conclusion: For patients aged more than 70 years with less than 2 mm joint space, arthroscopy of the knee is rarely indicated.
The abstracts were prepared by Mr D J Bracey, Editorial Secretary. Correspondence should be addressed to him at Royal Cornwall Hospital, Treliske, Cornwall TR1 3LJ, England.
