Knee Arthroscopy in the Older Age can be Satisfactory

Introduction:
Knee arthroscopy is one of the treatments for knee pain. In recent years, the use of knee arthroscopy in the treatment of osteoarthritis was challenged by several randomized-controlled trials and systematic review and meta-analysis. However, some design flaws are making the clinical decision harder. This study explores specifically the patient satisfaction from these surgeries.

Methods:
Fifty patients accepted participation and invited to a follow-up examination eight years post knee arthroscopy. All patients were above age 45 and diagnosed with osteoarthritis combined with degenerative menisci tear. The patients filled follow-up questionnaires of function (WOMAC, IKDC, SF12) and pain. The patients were asked to appreciate if they would have repeated the surgery retrospectively. The results were compared to a previous data base.

Results:
Thirty-six patients (72%) reported satisfaction of 8 and above (scale of 0-10) from the surgery and would have repeated it. Higher SF-12 physical score pre-surgery predicted higher satisfaction rate (p=0.027). Patients who were more satisfied from the surgery improved post-surgery in all parameters compared with the less-satisfied group (p<0.001). Patients above the age 60 had similar parameters pre- and post-surgery to patients below the age 60. (p>0.05).

Conclusions:
Patients between the ages 46-78 with degenerative menisci tear and osteoarthritis felt they benefited from their knee arthroscopy in an eight-year follow-up. Our research may help with better patient selection and suggest knee arthroscopy can relive symptoms and delayed further surgical treatment for the patient with mild osteoarthritis.