Position Statement From the Australian Knee Society on Arthroscopic Surgery of the Knee, Including Reference to the Presence of Osteoarthritis or Degenerative Joint Disease: Updated October 2016

Arthroscopic debridement and/or lavage has been shown to have no beneficial effect on the natural history of osteoarthritis (OA), nor is it indicated as a primary treatment in the management of OA. However, this does not preclude the judicious use of arthroscopic surgery, when indicated, to manage symptomatic coexisting abnormalities in the presence of OA or degeneration. Partial medial meniscectomy is not indicated as an initial treatment for atraumatic tears of degenerative menisci, excluding bucket-handle tears and surgeon-assessed locked or locking knees.