OPEN-KNEE MAGNUSON DEBRIDEMENT AS CONSERVATIVE TREATMENT FOR DEGENERATIVE OSTEOARTHRITIS OF THE KNEE

The medical records of 11 patients (average age, 37 years) who underwe nt 12 open-knee Magnuson debridements for degenerative arthritis at th e Cleveland Clinic Foundation between July 1982 and December 1991 were reviewed. The postoperative results were evaluated subjectively, usin g a modification of the National Survey of Total Knee Replacement ques tionnaire. These patients were followed with clinical and radiologic e xaminations for a mean of 73 months (range, 17-130 months). The major indications for surgery were pain (91%) and inability to participate i n recreational activities (55%). Although many of the changes were not statistically significant, the patients as a group experienced clinic ally important reductions in pain and improvements in function. More i mportantly, all patients were able to participate in recreational acti vities after surgery. None of the 11 patients have subsequently requir ed a total knee arthroplasty. The Magnuson open-knee debridement, in l imited situations, should be considered as a temporary alternative to knee arthroplasty in the young or middle-aged, active individual who i s not ready to accept the limitations of a total knee arthroplasty.