Aim: The aim of this study is to monitor and analyze the results of the physiotherapy treatment of patients with osteoarthritis of the knee who have undergone an arthroscopic procedure.
Materials and methods: The number of follow-up patients was 30. Their average age was 68.2 years. Twenty-four of them were women and 6 men. The average follow-up period was 6.47 years. All follow-up knees had a second- to third-degree damage based on the Kellgren Lawrence radiological classification and a second to third degree based on the Outerbrige classification for cartilage damage. The arthroscopic surgical techniques included - debridement, articular cartilage abrasion, partial synovectomy, partial hoffectomy, meniscectomy - medial or lateral, microfracturing. Conservative treatment continued after surgery with limb sparing and gradual exercise - walking with crutches. After the sutures were removed physiorehabilitation procedures were prescribed. Medication therapy included chondroprotectors and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and anticoagulants taken orally immediately after surgery and intra-articular applications - hyaluronic acid and PRP.
Results: According to the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), 22 patients, 73%, have continuously improved their daily activities and lifestyle for 36 months. VAS for pain showed a long-term remission for 28 months on average, with values above 7. The functional condition of the knees tested - volume of movement - flexion over 100 degrees was recovered and retained in 23 patients throughout the study period. Only 2 knees, 6% of all, needed endoprostheses.
Conclusions:
1. The early arthroscopic debridement prolongs the remission of osteoarthritis.
2. Individual approach in physiotherapy rehabilitation after surgery is needed.
3. Complex treatment of the symptoms of knee joint arthrosis ensures long-term success.
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