What did the study look at?
The authors describe articular cartilage injuries of the knee as a complex and challenging clinical problem. The aim of this study was to establish consensus statements among international experts on the non-operative (nonoperative) management of knee cartilage injuries. It is not a patient study but a consensus study in which expert opinion is gathered in a structured way.
How was it done?
A modified Delphi technique was used, in which experts answer several rounds of questionnaires in an effort to reach a shared view. Seventy-nine surgeons from 17 countries took part. Eight questions on non-operative management were drafted, followed by 3 rounds of questionnaires and a final vote. Levels of agreement were defined as:
- Consensus: 80–89% agreement with a proposed statement
- Strong consensus: 90–99% agreement
- Unanimous consensus: 100% agreement
What did it find?
- Of the 8 statements developed over three voting rounds, 1 achieved unanimous consensus, 2 strong consensus and 2 consensus; 3 did not achieve consensus.
- The statements with unanimous or strong consensus concerned the indications, contraindications and prognostic factors for non-operative management.
- The statements without consensus related mainly to the use of non-weight-bearing, injections and biophysical stimulation in treating knee cartilage injuries.
The authors' conclusion
The authors conclude that experts largely agree on who is and is not suitable for non-operative management of knee cartilage injuries and on the factors that influence outcome. In contrast, there is no expert consensus on non-weight-bearing, injection treatments or biophysical stimulation. These findings are based on expert opinion.
Note: this article is based on the published abstract of the paper.
Reference
Torrey JS, Brown CR, Hurley ET, Danilkowicz RM, Campbell KA, Figueroa D, Guiloff R, Gürsoy S, Hiemstra LA, Matache BA, Zaslav KR, Chahla J. (2024). Nonoperative management of knee cartilage injuries – an international Delphi consensus statement. Journal of Cartilage & Joint Preservation, 4(3):100197.
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcjp.2024.100197
Free full text: Journal of Cartilage & Joint Preservation (PDF)
This article summarises a published scientific paper for general information; it does not replace an examination or a personal medical assessment. Please consult your doctor about your symptoms.
