APEX Knee Navigating Pearls and Pitfalls-When Should I Consider Debridement Alone?

When Should I Consider Debridement Alone?

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The talk reviewed arthroscopic debridement and chondroplasty for articular cartilage lesions, highlighting that small, well-contained lesions under 3 cm² in younger patients (<40) with short symptom duration have better outcomes. Arthroscopy effectively removes unstable cartilage flaps and loose bodies, improving mechanical symptoms like locking. Studies show initial improvements often decline after two years, especially in larger or advanced lesions (KL scores 3-4) or those with malalignment. Radiofrequency use showed no clear advantage over mechanical shaving. Surgeon predictions of patient outcomes are poor. Overall, arthroscopic debridement benefits are limited for advanced cartilage damage, where more definitive surgeries may be needed.

Asset Caption

Dr. Deryk Jones

Keywords

arthroscopic debridement

chondroplasty

articular cartilage lesions

outcomes in young patients

mechanical symptoms improvement