Is Knee Arthroscopy Effective?

Knee arthroscopy is a common orthopedic procedure.  It is estimated that 1 million arthroscopic knee surgeries are performed annually in this country.

Knee arthroscopy involves making a small incision into the knee-joint through which a small camera and surgical tools are inserted.

Various parts of the knee are visualized which include the meniscus, the cartilage and supporting ligaments.  When damage is noted the area can be debrided:  rough surfaces are made smooth.

This is a significant advancement from the open surgeries performed in the 1980’s.

Is knee arthroscopy effective?

A recent article in the New England Journal of Medicine demonstrated that knee arthroscopy for osteoarthritis  provided no additional benefit to optimized physical and medical therapy.

A non surgical alternative to treat common orthopedic conditions is the use of your own mesenchymal  stem cells. The  Regenexx procedure allows patients to use their own mesenchymal stem cells to treat many knee, hip and shoulder conditions.