Knee surgery 'should not be used to treat degenerative knee disease'

Knee arthroscopy should not be considered a suitable treatment option for the vast majority of patients with degenerative knee disease, according to experts. An international panel, led by Reed Siemieniuk at McMaster University in Canada, has reviewed the available evidence and come to a firm conclusion that surgery does not offer any substantial benefits for these patients, despite most guidance suggesting otherwise. Why knee surgery may be unsuitable Part of the British Medical Journal's Rapid Recommendations initiative, which aims to quickly generate trustworthy guidance for doctors based on the latest evidence, the research involved a systematic review of 25 available studies, as well as an analysis of patients' preferences. It was found that arthroscopic knee surgery, which involves keyhole surgery to relievepain and improve movement, does not on average result in lasting improvements on either count in almost all patients with degenerative knee disease. Although some individuals see a certain amount of post-surgical improvement, this is often no different from the results that would have been yielded byexercise therapy or other interventions, while the physical stress and lengthy recovery times associated with surgery were cited as important downsides. Contradicting the current guidance These recommendations come in spite of the fact that most guidelines support the use of arthroscopy in many groups of patients, including those with meniscal tears, patients who ...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news