抄録
This study evaluates the postoperative results of arthroscopic lavage for rheumatoid arthritic (RA) knees. From 1984 to 2000, arthroscopic lavage for RA knee was performed in 33 knees of 27 patients. Twenty three knees in 17 patients were followed up more than 1 year after lavage. The average age at surgery was 61.9 years old (range, 39 to 89) the average follow-up time after surgery was 24.7 months (range, 12 to 99) .
The patients had grade 0 to grade III radiographic changes by Larsen's criteria. Joint effusion, preoperatively observed in 18 knees, disappeared in all knees postoperatively. Pain disappeared in all 6 knees with grades 0 and I, 7 of the 11 grade II knees, and 4 of the 6 grade III knees. Good results included full relief of effusion and pain in 100% and 93% of the patients at 1 month, in 83% and 75% at 1 year, and in 77% and 50% at 3 years after lavage respectively. Arthroscopic lavage appeared to be a promising treatment for RA knees at Larsen's grades 0, I and II .
