Winter 2000 Newsletter

The Arthroscopy Committee has identified several areas of potential development and improvement that will further ISAKOS' work as a whole. The committee will be meeting this March at the AAOS Annual Meeting and will continue to communicate throughout the year to accomplish the following goals:

1. Standardized data sheets

It is not the role of our committee to discuss standardized data sheets for clinical or imaging assessment. Rather, the committee will seek to establish standard definitions and parameters for arthroscopic and anatomical assessments. Anatomic and arthroscopic classifications of the lesions should become international to facilitate our scientific exchanges. For example:

• A degenerative lesion of the medial meniscus is not measured the same in Europe as in the U.S.
• What is a total meniscectomy? What is a partial meniscectomy?
• Cartilage lesions of the knee are assessed differently, with as many classifications as authors.
• What does "cartilage debridement" mean in the U.S., France or any other country?
• Rotator cuff tear: The designations of "small," "medium" and "large" are too vague to have great significance.
• Osteochondral lesions of the talar dome: Should a recent fracture with a small loose body be at the same level of evaluation as a chronic bone necrosis?

Our Goals:

• Not to enforce a "universal" data sheet for every pathology, but to provide and/or clarify a few standard anatomical and arthroscopic definitions of lesions or, in some cases, of arthroscopic procedures.
• To develop a few standard arthroscopic data sheets according to the different joints.
• To develop standard data sheets that are practical, simple and deliverable.

2. Educational programs in the field of arthroscopy

The committee sees opportunities for arthroscopic education in several different areas:

• Development of arthroscopic instructional courses during or between biennial meetings.
• The promotion and support of "packages" that can be delivered to young surgeons on video or CD-ROM with anatomy, exploration and descriptions of the different arthroscopic procedures for treatment of varying pathologies.
• Utilization of the ISAKOS Web site. All materials should be downloadable with free access. Since the Internet is inexpensive and easily accessible, it can be a true educational resource for economically disadvantaged regions. Possible projects include:
  • Creation of a "Free Bank" of photos that can be used by others as needed. This "bank" would include photos of arthroscopic anatomy, techniques, etc.
  • Uploading of podium presentations.
  • Uploading of poster presentations.

3. Studies and clinical trials in the field of arthroscopy

The committee would like to initiate and control prospective multi-center studies concerning new procedures. To accomplish this, the committee would need to:

• Establish a common database and criteria;
• Select centers and oversee coordination and control of the studies;
• Nominate one or two directors; and
• Oversee study coordination with other committees or even other societies.

These studies could be the basis of large symposium that would be held during biennial meetings.

4. Scientific program (in the field of arthroscopy)

The committee will continue to make contributions and provide proposals for the Third ISAKOS Biennial Congress in 2001. This will include:

• Lectures;
• Symposia;
• Mini debates;
• Participation in abstracts selection; and
• Selection for the John J. Joyce Award