title: Selection criteria for knee arthroscopy in the osteoarthritic patient.
abstract: In the current literature concerning arthroscopy in the osteoarthritic patient, there are few well-controlled studies with long-term follow-up that establish selection criteria. The effectiveness of abrasion arthroplasty has not been proved in prospective studies. Prospective factors that are associated with a better outcome include normal limb alignment, a history of mechanical symptoms, minimal roentgenographic degeneration, and a short duration of symptoms. Variables associated with poor outcomes include varus or valgus malalignment, loading symptoms, severe roentgenographic degeneration, previous surgeries, and chronic symptoms. Advanced age, per se, is not a contraindication to arthroscopy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rush Medical College, Rush-Presbyterian-St Luke's Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois.
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Novak
authors.forename: B R
authors.initials: BR
authors.lastname: Bach
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D001182:Arthroscopy; D002805:Chondrocalcinosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D003646:Debridement; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009985:Orthopedics / Q000379:methods; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D011300:Preoperative Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012086:Reoperation; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome