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ARTHROSCOPIC DEBRIDEMENT FOR OSTEOARTHRITIS OF THE KNEE

Method
Washing out the joint, removing loose parts and smoothing rough cartilage surfaces
Duration
20 to 40 minutes
Recovery time
2 to 6 weeks

Arthroscopic debridement is a minimally invasive procedure for the symptomatic treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. Detached pieces of cartilage, loose bodies, inflamed synovial membrane and rough cartilage surfaces are removed or smoothed using arthroscopic instruments. The aim is short-term relief of pain, a reduction in inflammatory irritation and an improvement in the function of the joint.

The method is particularly suited to patients with mild to moderate degenerative changes and with mechanical locking or irritation. It can help to dampen inflammatory reactions and to postpone a larger operation (for instance a partial or total joint replacement) that may eventually be needed.

How the operation proceeds

Debridement is usually carried out as a day case using arthroscopic technique. After two small incisions have been made, a camera and special instruments are introduced into the knee joint. Under direct vision, loose pieces of cartilage or meniscus are removed, cartilage surfaces are smoothed and inflamed synovial membrane is selectively resected (synovectomy).

  • Washing out the joint with physiological saline
  • Smoothing cracks in the cartilage to avoid mechanical irritation
  • Removing unstable parts of the meniscus or loose bodies
  • Careful removal of inflamed synovium

Rehabilitation

Aftercare following an arthroscopic debridement is comparatively straightforward. Mobilisation with partial or full weight-bearing is possible on the day of the operation. How intensive the physiotherapy needs to be depends on what was found during the operation.

Phase I (0-2 weeks): early mobilisation
  • Full weight-bearing as pain allows, crutches if there are symptoms
  • Cooling, elevation, lymphatic drainage to reduce swelling
  • Beginning physiotherapy (movement, gait training)
Phase II (3-6 weeks): functional activation
  • Strengthening exercises for the quadriceps and the leg axis
  • Exercise-bike training, hydrotherapy
  • The focus is on coping with everyday life and returning to work