[Recommendations regarding arthroscopic surgery in the knee joint and the updated National Guidelines for Musculoskeletal Diseases].

Abstract

The article discusses the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare's recommendations regarding arthroscopic surgery in the knee joint and the updated National Guidelines for Musculoskeletal Diseases from 2021. It emphasizes the ongoing discussion within the orthopedic profession and aims to summarize constructive discussions between the National Board of Health and Welfare, the Swedish Orthopedic Association, and the National program board for Musculoskeletal Diseases. The text notes a significant decrease in knee arthroscopies due to knee osteoarthritis and degenerative meniscus injuries over the past decade although 5,000 and 6,000 arthroscopies were performed in 2022 due to knee osteoarthritis or degenerative meniscus rupture. The reasons for the continued performance of the procedure are discussed, including the lack of a precise definition of »degenerative meniscus rupture« and interpretation differences within the profession. A recent report from the National Board of Health and Welfare indicates that the profession has largely embraced the recommendations from 2012, but there are significant regional differences in the number of performed arthroscopies. The text emphasizes the need for clearer recommendations, refined data collection, and constructive dialogue to improve the implementation of the National Board of Health and Welfare's recommendations and reduce the use of procedures classified as »not recommended.« The authors believe that continuous dialogue and follow-up are necessary to decrease the use of procedures not recommended in the guidelines.