To discuss the value of arthroscopic techniques in determining the indications of unicondylar arthroplasty.
Twenty-four patients with knee osteoarthritis, 14 males and 19 females, aged 63 (49 - 74), who were scheduled to undergo unicondylar arthroplasty were arthroscopically evaluated at the beginning of surgery. Arthroscopy showed injury of degree IV in the tibial and femoral cartilages in the medial compartment, severe abrasion of meniscus, and exposure of subchondral bone. Unicondylar arthroplasty was given up on 8 cases because of cartilage injuries in the lateral compartment, while the surgery was performed on the other 16 cases. All cases underwent synovium debridement, 5 of which underwent meniscus repair or partial meniscectomy in the lateral compartment, 4 underwent patellar reticulum releasing and peri-patellar denervation, 3 cases underwent synovium plica resection, and 4 cases had their loose bodies removed. Follow-up was conducted on 16 cases for 14 months on average.
The average Lysholm score of the patients was 67.5 preoperatively and became 94 postoperatively. After operation, the symptoms of locking and pain were relieved. The functional evaluation result was excellent in 12 cases, good in 2, and fair in 2.
Arthroscopic evaluation of intra-articular structures is valuable in determination of unicondylar arthroplasty indications. Arthroscopic procedures are valuable in minimizing preoperative symptoms.