Osteoarthritis commonly begins after the age of 40 and slowly but surely breaks down the cartilage, causing the bones to rub together and as a result is now the leading cause of disability in North America. Arthroscopic surgery, used commonly to treat osteoarthritis, smoothes out the damaged cartilage and removes the bone chips.

Brian Feagan of the University of Western Ontario believes that arthroscopic knee surgery as a treatment for osteoarthritis doesn’t reduce joint symptoms or improve joint function when compared with the results attained by employing a combination of medication and physical therapy. The study based on the findings of the research team composed of orthopedic surgeons, rheumatologists, and physiotherapists has been published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

In all 178 patients - men and women with an average age of 60 and moderate to severe osteoarthritis of the knee - participated in the University of Western Ontario study. All participants had physical therapy, over-the-counter painkillers, glucosamine supplements, and injections to lubricate the joint. Of the 178 participants 86 also had arthroscopic surgery. For the next 2 years all of the participants were tested every 6 months. Both groups - the one with only physical therapy and medication, and the other with physical therapy, medication, and arthroscopic surgery - improved. However, both groups improved equally with respect to joint pain, stiffness, and function, with no additional improvement in the group that had the arthroscopic surgery.

In conclusion Dr. Feagan now believes that although arthroscopic surgery should be used for conditions such as a torn ligament or cartilage, it has proven itself ineffective as a treatment for arthritis.