Short-Term Effects of Knee Washout for Osteoarth ritis

Abstract

Twenty-nine knees in 23 patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis underwent washout with lactated Ringer's solution. Two arthroscopic cannulas were placed into the knee under local anesthetic. Three liters of fluid were run through the knee using varying inflow and outflow to alternately inflate and deflate the knee. We obtained Hospital for Special Surgery knee scores, Knee Society pain and function ratings, and visual analog pain scales before washout and up to 2 years after washout. At 1 year, the mean Hospital for Special Surgery score increased from 72 to 87, the Knee Society pain rating from 64 to 89, and the Knee Society function rating from 62 to 82. Twenty-five knees had a good or excellent result at 1 year. Twenty-one of these were observed at 2 years; 17 had good or excellent results. This study confirms the value of a fluid washout in an arthritic knee for some patients. This may explain some of the symptom relief seen with arthroscopic procedures in this condition.

Intra-articular hyaluronic acid after knee arthroscopy: a two-year study

“…The first investigations were performed 1995 by Edelson et al [4] in 26 patients (33 knees) with symptoms refractory to treatment due to radiologically confirmed degenerative disease of the knee joint. All knees underwent joint lavage and 16 were then given an intra-articular injection of 3 ml HA solution (molecular weight of HA: 0.5-1 million Da).…”

Arthroscopy for Problems After Ankle Fracture

“…Lavage alone did not produce the satisfactory results reported in the knee. 8,[10][11][12] A firm diagnosis must be established before arthroscopy is undertaken since more generalised post-traumatic disorders such as cartilage deformation, incongruity or arthrofibrosis are not improved by this procedure. Arthroscopy for diagnosis alone is of limited value.…”

Arthroscopic treatment of anterior impingement in the ankle

“…17,18 There are few descriptions of arthroscopic management of the osteoarthritic ankle. Treating 27 patients with mild to advanced osteoarthritic changes, Ogilvie-Harris and Sekyi-Otu 15 used a subjective and functional scoring system to define successful treatment.…”