Questions raised over the benefits of arthroscopic knee surgery

According to a study by Emory University in Atlanta, a growing body of evidence shows that patients undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery for painful arthritis or a torn cartilage are gaining little benefit from the procedure.

During the procedure, a small incision is made into the knee and an arthroscopic camera is inserted to view the inside of the joint, locate and diagnose the problem, and guide any necessary repairs. Whilst this procedure is minimally invasive, it does involve risks, including those associated with anaesthesia and the potential to damage the knee or trigger blood clots in the leg.

Researchers involved in the study, examined data on all surgical procedures undertaken on adults in the US state of Florida over a thirteen year period to 2015, which included a total of just under 900,000 arthroscopic knee operations. The rates of these procedures declined by 23 per cent during the period, with more severe decreases after 2008.

The steep decline in operations after 2008 came about following a major published trial, which failed to identify a variance between surgery and non-surgical medical management, including medications to ease pain or inflammation, or the use of ice or heat, or physical therapy.

According to Andrew Carr, Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Oxford, the results suggest that doctors and patients are starting to believe that this procedure is not always the best solution for wear and tear that contributes to knee pain.

He went on to say “Rest and time are often very helpful. If symptoms persist then other treatments including physiotherapy and the use of anti-inflammatory medication may be of benefit.”

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Posted by Karen Motley, Paralegal, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (karenmotley@chadlaw.co.uk), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

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