Treatment of medial compartment arthritis of the knee: a survey of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons

Abstract

Medial compartmental arthritis of the knee is a common orthopedic problem. This study surveyed active members of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons on recommended surgical treatment of this condition. A response rate of 30.8% was obtained. One third of respondents (32.9%) reported patient age as the most important factor in determining surgical treatment. Total knee arthroplasty (89.2%) and arthroscopy (87.2%) were the most widely reported surgical treatments. Most respondents (73.7%) rated experience as the primary basis in determining factors for surgical recommendations. Case scenarios revealed age and gender having significant bearing on treatment recommendations. These results suggest that age and degree of deformity are 2 important considerations in surgical treatment of medial compartment arthritis and, among this group of respondents, influence the wide variety of treatment options.