ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical efficacy of arthroscopic debridment in treatment of knee gouty arthritis. MethodsUsing arthroscopic debridment, 24 cases (29 knees) of patients with knee gouty arthritis underwent local synovectomy, and the urate crystals on menisci, anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments, and articular cartilage surface were scraped and then douched using 5% sodium bicarbonate solution. Uric acid lowering drugs and low-purine diet were incorporated to the postoperative comprehensive treatment. Results24 cases were healed without infection. Postoperative knee swelling and pain disappeared 4-7 days after operation, and the knee function was recovered in 2-3 weeks. The follow-up duration ranged from 10 months to 60 months with an average duration of 28.7 months. Three cases developed postoperative recurrence at 1 months, 2 months and 4 months after operation. According to the assessment by knee function Lysholm scoring, the scores (91.7±2.5) six month after the operation were greatly increased compared with preoperative scores (42.8±3.1), with a statistically significant difference (P＜0.05). ConclusionArthroscopy can provide early diagnosis of knee gouty arthritis. Arthroscopic debridment can effectively prevent various intraarticular structures from further erosive damage, thus restraining the development of joint deformity and dysfunction.

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