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Research has shown that arthroscopic debridement operations on the knee
for osteoarthritis often provide little more than a placebo effect. Many
patients report symptomatic relief after undergoing arthroscopy of the
knee but it is not clear how the procedure achieves this result. A
randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of arthroscopy for
osteoarthritis of the knee showed that the outcomes after arthroscopic
lavage or arthroscopic debridement were no better than those after a
placebo procedure (Moseley et al, 2002).
Does anyone know if anyone has done any similar research concerning
common surgical treatments for overuse injuries? Hutson (1997) has cast
doubt on the efficacy of many forms of medical treatment for overuse
injuries (such as splinting a sore wrist rather than resting it); hence
it would be interesting to know if the outcomes of surgery for carpal
tunnel syndrome (i.e. decompression of the carpal tunnel) ever reflect a
placebo effect (especially if this is merely due to rest after the
operation).
Regards,
David McFarlane
Ergonomist, WorkCover Authority
New South Wales, Australia
Reference
1. J. Moseley, K. O'Malley, N. Petersen, T. Menke, B. Brody, D.
Kuykendall, J. Hollingsworth, C. Ashton and N. Wray, (2002), "A
Controlled Trial of Arthroscopic Surgery for Osteoarthritis of the
Knee", New England Journal of Medicine, July 11, 2002, Volume 347:81-88,
Number 2.
2. M. Hutson, (1997), "Work-Related Upper Limb Disorders: Recognition
and Management", (Butterworth-Heinemann; Oxford).
Disclaimer
Any recommendation concerning the use or representation of a particular
brand of product in this document or any mention of them whatsoever
(whether this appears in the text, illustrations, photographs or in any
other form) is not to be taken to imply that WorkCover NSW approves or
endorses the product or the brand.
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This message, including any attached files, is intended solely for the addressee named and may contain confidential
information. If you are not the intended recipient, please delete it and notify the sender. Any views expressed in this
message are those of the individual sender and are not necessarily the views of WorkCover NSW.
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for osteoarthritis often provide little more than a placebo effect. Many
patients report symptomatic relief after undergoing arthroscopy of the
knee but it is not clear how the procedure achieves this result. A
randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of arthroscopy for
osteoarthritis of the knee showed that the outcomes after arthroscopic
lavage or arthroscopic debridement were no better than those after a
placebo procedure (Moseley et al, 2002).
Does anyone know if anyone has done any similar research concerning
common surgical treatments for overuse injuries? Hutson (1997) has cast
doubt on the efficacy of many forms of medical treatment for overuse
injuries (such as splinting a sore wrist rather than resting it); hence
it would be interesting to know if the outcomes of surgery for carpal
tunnel syndrome (i.e. decompression of the carpal tunnel) ever reflect a
placebo effect (especially if this is merely due to rest after the
operation).
Regards,
David McFarlane
Ergonomist, WorkCover Authority
New South Wales, Australia
Reference
1. J. Moseley, K. O'Malley, N. Petersen, T. Menke, B. Brody, D.
Kuykendall, J. Hollingsworth, C. Ashton and N. Wray, (2002), "A
Controlled Trial of Arthroscopic Surgery for Osteoarthritis of the
Knee", New England Journal of Medicine, July 11, 2002, Volume 347:81-88,
Number 2.
2. M. Hutson, (1997), "Work-Related Upper Limb Disorders: Recognition
and Management", (Butterworth-Heinemann; Oxford).
Disclaimer
Any recommendation concerning the use or representation of a particular
brand of product in this document or any mention of them whatsoever
(whether this appears in the text, illustrations, photographs or in any
other form) is not to be taken to imply that WorkCover NSW approves or
endorses the product or the brand.
************************************************** ************************************************** ************************************
This message, including any attached files, is intended solely for the addressee named and may contain confidential
information. If you are not the intended recipient, please delete it and notify the sender. Any views expressed in this
message are those of the individual sender and are not necessarily the views of WorkCover NSW.
************************************************** ************************************************** ************************************