Arthroscopy in the complex treatment of the knee osteoarthritis

The aim of the study was to determine the value of arthroscopy in the complex of treatment of patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. Material and methods: 44 patients with stage II-III osteoarthritis according the X-ray classification of Kellgren-Lawrence were treated for 29 women and 15 men aged 38 to 78 years. The majority of patients (72.7%) were retirement age (women after 55 years, and men - after 60 years); the average age was 58.7 years. The study included patients with no signs of pronounced joint instability, and no signs of intra- or periarticular lesions, which are unconditional indications for surgical intervention. The severity of the pain syndrome and functional condition of the joint according to the KOOS scale was assessed. Complex treatment of patients the authors suggest starting with arthroscopy with the goal of normalizing the intraarticular environment. Monitoring of 44 patients within 1 year confirmed that this approach allows achieving better and more lasting results of treatment.