Arthroscopic Arthritis Options Are On the Horizon

Arthroscopic treatment options are on the horizon for cartilage defects and arthritis. While arthroscopy is not a “cure” for osteoarthritis, arthroscopic and related surgery is of significant benefit to many patients with intra-articular pathology including osteoarthritis and articular cartilage disease. However, arthroscopy alone is insufficient, and arthroscopic treatment of patients with arthritis is a salvage procedure requiring an approach where arthroscopy must be combined with additional procedures. There are degrees of osteoarthritis severity, and arthroscopy is more effective in combination with additional procedures in younger patients, in more active patients, and in patients with less severe disease, or smaller lesions. On another note, we continue to be fascinated by the knee anterolateral ligament, although to date its clinical relevance is entirely speculative.