Purpose: The role of arthroscopic treatment for degenerative knee joint disease remains controversial. The aim of this work was to evaluate the efficacy of arthroscopic debridement and to establish its indication for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis in patients aged less than 50 years.

Material and methods: Arthroscopic debridement was performed from 1994 to 2002 in 192 patients, 72 men and 120 women, mean age 59 years (51–75). We noted clinical history, particularly conditions contraindicating major surgery, and prior lower limb trauma, particularly involving the same knee. Patient weight and activity level were considered. The preoperative work-up included a functional examination (Freeman), and a radiographic study used to class the osteoarthritis as early, moderate or advanced and measure the knee axis. We performed joint wash out in all cases associated with different debridement procedures. Chondropathy was evaluated with the Marshall classification. A new functional evaluation and subjective evaluation was performed at last follow-up.

Results: Severe disease was present in the history of 5.2% of the knees; 9.3% had had prior surgery and 82% presented moderate osteoarthritis, mainly involving all three compartments. Type II or III chondropathy was found in 92% of knees. At mean follow-up of 28 months (5–108), the mean function score improved from 69.4/110 preoperatively to 89.5/110 and 75.4% of patients considered their knee had improved. Five patients required secondary arthroplasty. Poor outcome was associated with type III or IV chondroplasty involving the three compartments and the presence of the mentioned history. Age was not correlated with poor outcome.

Discussion: We studied a population with overt osteoarthritis who were treated with a minimally aggressive method, mainly for palliation. Only 2.6% underwent total arthroplasty after arthroscopic treatment. There was a clear improvement in function, mainly pain relief. The large majority of the patients were satisfied with the outcome and did not require further medical treatment except occasionally. The less satisfactory results were obtained in patients with more advanced disease who could not undergo arthroplasty because of concomitant medical conditions.