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Arthroscopy

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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Arthroscopy is now a standard procedure for investigating and treating problems with the larger joints. Usually with the patient anaesthetised, the joint cavity is filled with saline and a telescope introduced so that procedures can be carried out under direct vision.

With arthroscopy it is possible to perform:

  • joint washouts of loose osteophytes and traumatic debris
  • debridement of damaged tissue such as of the torn segment of a damaged meniscus
  • cartilage shaving of irregular surfaces
  • biopsy of abnormal tissue

NICE state that "..Current evidence suggests that arthroscopic knee washout alone should not be used as a treatment for osteoarthritis because it cannot demonstrate clinically useful benefit in the short or long term.."(1)

Reference:

  1. NICE (August 2007).Arthroscopic knee washout, with or without debridement, for the treatment of osteoarthritis.

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