Keyhole knee surgery is 'waste of time' review finds

Conclusion This expert panel review provides compelling evidence against the use of knee arthroscopy for degenerative knee conditions/osteoarthritis. This procedure often has varied and inconsistent use in clinical practice. As part of their review the researchers also considered what other government organisations currently recommend about the procedure. NICE already says knee arthroscopy (with washout – flushing the joint with fluid) should not be performed for people with osteoarthritis. The only indication NICE currently gives for the procedure is people who have a clear history of mechanical locking symptoms. But it's not clear whether the person has to have a truly locked knee, or locking and clicking symptoms that come and go. The British Orthopaedic Society, like NICE, advises against arthroscopy for people with osteoarthritis but does recommend the procedure for people with mechanical locking symptoms. It also explicitly recommends arthroscopy with partial meniscal removal for people with meniscal tears. Therefore, UK guidelines currently support the advice not to use the procedure for osteoarthritis, but do recommend it for locking/meniscal symptoms. It remains to be seen whether these expert panel findings alter recommendations in future updates of these guidelines. Links To The Headlines Keyhole knee surgery for arthritis pain 'is pointless': Warning minor procedure has been oversold as a cure for all problems. Daily Mail, May 11 2017 Links To Science Siemie...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Medical practice Older people Source Type: news