The influence of previous arthroscopic treatment on subsequent primary total knee arthroplasty: the comparison between bilateral knees of the same patient

BACKGROUND: To explore whether previous arthroscopic knee surgery affects future total knee arthroplasty (TKA) results or not. METHODS: A total of 56 patients with the previous arthroscopic treatment on one knee underwent subsequent bilateral total knee arthroplasty in our hospital from September 2012 to July 2018. Data on each patient were collected in regards to changes in postoperative clinical and functional scores, various other scores, as well as postoperative functional recovery and complications. We defined the knees with a previous arthroscopic history as group A, and the counter side as group B. The Knee Society clinical score, functional scores, range of motion (ROM), finger joint size (FJS), visual analogue scale (VAS) scores were assessed before and after surgery. Using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov Test to test the normality of continuous variables, and the chi-square test to compare the rate of reoperation and complications between two groups. For all statistical comparisons, P < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: There were no statistically significance differences found in postoperative Knee Society clinical scores and functional scores between group A and group B, as well as in ROM, FJS, VAS scores and local complications. CONCLUSION: There were no statistically significant differences found in postoperative functional recovery and complications in patients, who underwent total knee arthroplasty with previous knee arthroscopy.