Scientific References - Arthroscopic Debridement for Osteoarthritis

Reviewed by Greg Jaroszynski MD, FRCSC | Last updated May 2026

This page provides key scientific references supporting the information presented on arthroscopic debridement for osteoarthritis. These references include landmark clinical trials, systematic reviews, and clinical practice guidelines.

Key Clinical Trials

1. Moseley JB, O'Malley K, Petersen NJ, et al. A controlled trial of arthroscopic surgery for osteoarthritis of the knee. N Engl J Med. 2002;347(2):81-88. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa013259.
2. Kirkley A, Birmingham TB, Litchfield RB, et al. A randomized trial of arthroscopic surgery for osteoarthritis of the knee. N Engl J Med. 2008;359(11):1097-1107. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa0705923.
3. Katz JN, Brophy RH, Chaisson CE, et al. Surgery versus physical therapy for a meniscal tear and osteoarthritis. N Engl J Med. 2013;368(18):1675-1684. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1301408.

Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses

1. Siemieniuk RAC, Harris IA, Agoritsas T, et al. Arthroscopic surgery for degenerative knee arthritis and meniscal tears: a clinical practice guideline. BMJ. 2017;357:j1982. doi: 10.1136/bmj.j1982.
2. Brignardello-Petersen R, Guyatt GH, Buchbinder R, et al. Knee arthroscopy versus conservative management in patients with degenerative knee disease: a systematic review. BMJ Open. 2017;7(5):e016114. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-016114.
3. Thorlund JB, Juhl CB, Roos EM, Lohmander LS. Arthroscopic surgery for degenerative knee: systematic review and meta-analysis of benefits and harms. Br J Sports Med. 2015;49(19):1229-1235. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2015-094755.

Clinical Practice Guidelines

1. Jevsevar DS. Treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee: evidence-based guideline, 2nd edition. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2013;21(9):571-576. doi: 10.5435/JAAOS-21-09-571.
2. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Osteoarthritis: care and management. Clinical guideline [CG177]. 2014.
3. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee: evidence-based guideline. 2nd edition. 2013.

Note: This is not an exhaustive list of all available research. For the most current evidence, consult recent systematic reviews and clinical guidelines. Individual patient responses may vary, and treatment decisions should be made in consultation with a qualified orthopaedic specialist.