Editorial Commentary: Are We Running Out of Treatments for Osteoarthritis of the Knee?

Abstract

A considerable body of literature with high-level evidence has been published in the past 15 years calling into question the value of arthroscopic surgery in treating osteoarthritis of the knee (OAK). This, plus recent guidelines advising against the use of conservative treatments such as hyaluronic viscosupplementation, threatens to limit patient access to treatment for a chronic disease state with no known cure. The disease burden of OAK is considerable and represents one of the largest health care dollar expenditures in the United States and the world. Orthopaedic surgeons are the primary specialty dealing with OAK and manage this disease from inception to the final endpoint of total joint arthroplasty. As the population ages and the incidence of OAK increases, we must find ways to improve our ability to show efficacy in our treatments and also promote innovative modalities and applications to ameliorate the disability and dysfunction associated with OAK. Arthroscopy is recognized as a global leader in the presentation of evidence and debate surrounding all treatments for OAK and plays an important role in improving knowledge and treatment efficacy.