Primary Outcome Measures:
- self-reported quality of life (WOMAC). [ Time Frame: 2 years ]
Secondary Outcome Measures:
- self-reported functional ability (LEFS), [ Time Frame: 2 years ]
- swelling [ Time Frame: 2 years ]
- pain [ Time Frame: 2 yrs ]
- frequency of analgesic use (patient diary), [ Time Frame: 3 mths ]
- general health (SF-36). [ Time Frame: 2 yrs ]
Arthroscopy for degenerative conditions of the knee is among the most widely employed orthopaedic procedures, but its effectiveness (like the effectiveness of many surgical operations) has never been proven in prospective trials. The evidence supporting the use of arthroscopy in treatment algorithms for knee OA comes largely from case series and cohort studies. These studies have shown that about 50% of patients report pain relief following the procedure. Predictors of poor outcome following arthroscopy include marked mal-alignment, restricted range of motion, advanced radiographic changes, and prior surgery. Improved outcomes are predicted by preoperative mechanical symptoms caused by loose bodies, meniscal tears, or radiographic evidence of mild articular degeneration.
The proposed study is a randomized clinical trial.
Each patient will undergo a preoperative MRI of their affected knee joint to identify existing pathology (e.g. meniscal tears, loose bodies, chondral flaps). The results of the MRI will not be revealed to physicians, patients or data collectors. This will ensure that we have information on the existing joint pathology within each group and that prognostic variables between groups were sufficiently balanced (i.e. comparable rates of similar pathology per group). The primary outcome measure is self-reported quality of life (WOMAC). Secondary measures include self-reported functional ability (LEFS), swelling, pain and frequency of analgesic use (patient diary), and general health (SF-36). Assessments will take place preoperatively and at 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively.
