ABSTRACT
42 knees with degenerative arthritis underwent arthroscopic lavage and 7 knees underwent arthroscopic lavage combined with multiple bone drilling in between 1994 and 1995 and followed average 12 months. Clinical evaluation using the hospita1 for specia] surgery knee scores (HSS scores) was done at last follow up and classified into 4 groups: excellent (90-99), good (80-89), fair (70-79) and poor (less than 70). The results were as follows: l. Of the 42 knees of the lavage group, 6 knees (16%) was excellent, 14 knees (33%) good, ]7 knees (40%) fair and 5 (11%) knees poor. Success group (Excellent & Good) were achived in 20 knees (49%). 2. Of 17 knees treated with arthroscopic lavage comhined with multiple bone drillig resulted in excellent in 9 knees (53%), good in 4 knees (23%), fair in 2 knees (12%) and poor in 2 knees (12%). Success group were achived in 13 knees (76%). 1n conclusion, we helieve that multiple bone drilling in conjunction with arthroscopic lavage has more favorable effect on the pain relief for degenerative osteoarthritis of the knee than arthroscopic lavage only.