Abstract: Objective To evaluate the role of arthroscopy in diagnosis and treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee.Methods The data of 108 patients (118 knees) with osteoarthritis of the knee and received arthroscopic surgery were analyzed retrospectively including sign, X-ray and MRI examinations of knee, the average stage in hospital, diagnoses before and after operation, and prognosis.Results Arthroscopic surgery was of benefit to diagnosis and treatment of osteoarthritis of knee. The average stage in hospital was 11±7 days. The following-up of 98 patients showed that 82 patients were excellent, 16 patients good and only 1 patients not up to standard.Conclusion Arthroscopic surgery has following advantages such as less invasive surgery, shorter stage in hospital, good curative effect in the near future.

Key words: arthroscopy, knee joint, osteoarthritis