Arthroscopic management of the degenerative knee.

Out of a total 551 arthroscopic procedures for degenerative arthritis of the knee, 441 were studied at 2-8 years following their procedure. Sixty-eight percent of patients had at least 2 years or more relief of pain and symptoms. Fifty-three percent were still good at follow-up of 4.1 years. The best results were obtained after resection of an unstable flap tear of a meniscus in association with mild degenerative arthritis. The worst results were obtained in patients with bicondylar disease and in the presence of chondrocalcinosis. The results were much better in the normally aligned knee; the valgus knee did worst. Repeated arthroscopic procedures have a much lower success rate.