Popular arthroscopic knee surgery may not provide relief from arthritisPopular arthroscopic knee surgery may not provide relief from arthritis |
A study of Canadian researchers reveals that arthroscopic surgery for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee does not always provide pain relief. {mosimage}Arthroscopy, a minimally invasive operation is routinely performed by orthopedic surgeons on patients with arthritis of the knee to remove bits of cartilage and smooth joint surfaces. A University of Western Ontario study (conducted between 1999 and 2007, but published in this weeks New England Journal of Medicine, researchers found that arthroscopy knee surgery provides no more benefit for people with mild to moderate arthritis of the knees. In fact the study, concludes that physical therapy and medication may be more effective in reducing pain and inflammation. "We think this study really provides definitive evidence that the procedure is ineffective," said study co-author Dr. Brian Feagan, clinical trials director at Western's Robarts Research Institute. A landmark government study suggests nearly one in two people (46%) will develop painful knee osteoarthritis over their lifetime, with the highest risk among those who are obese. According to the Arthritis Foundation , the study underscores the immediate need for the public to understand what they can do to reduce the tremendous pain, disability and cost associated with arthritis. According to The Arthritis Society arthritis and other rheumatic conditions affect nearly 4 million Canadians aged 15 years and older - approximately 1 in 6 people. Two-thirds of those with arthritis are women and nearly 3 of every 5 people with arthritis are younger than 65 years of age. By the year 2026 it is estimated that over 6 million Canadians 15 years of age and older will have arthritis. READ MORE ON THIS: RELATED READING: |