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Arthroscopic knee surgery often is performed in middle-aged and older patients with knee pain, despite the fact that abnormal knee findings on magnetic resonance imaging are common and not necessarily associated with knee symptoms in this population. In addition, sham-controlled studies have shown that this intervention is not beneficial (e.g., NEJM JW Gen Med Feb 15 2014 and N Engl J Med 2013; 369:2515). However, at least 700,000 knee arthroscopies are performed in the U.S. annually, and the incidence of arthroscopies in this population is increasing.
Researchers conducted a systemic review and meta-analysis of nine studies (1270 patients) to assess the benefits and risks associated with arthroscopic meniscectomy, debridement, or both compa…