Five-year results of clinical use of arthromedullary bypass for knee osteoarthritis

Aim . To study the results of arthromedullary bypass (AMB) in arthroscopic treatment of gonarthrosis at 5 years after the intervention. Material and methods . 152 patients aged 42 to 80 years with osteoarthritis of the knee joint participated in the study. 67 control patients underwent arthroscopy of the joint only, 85 patients underwent additional AMB. Treatment efficacy was also compared in subgroups of patients selected for similar clinical and demographic factors. Outcomes were assessed over 60 months using the Lequesne and WOMAC indices, and the frequency of anti-inflammatory medication was noted. Results . Significant joint improvement was noted after 3 months and was maintained throughout the follow-up period. The incidence of joint stiffness, swelling, and nighttime joint pain decreased by 58, 69, and 75% in bypassed patients, respectively, and by 28, 25, and 54% in controls, respectively, (p < 0.01). Medication was required in 32% of control patients and 13% of AMB patients (p