A study found that patients who underwent knee surgery with a minimally invasive ‘needle arthroscopy’ technique used significantly fewer opioids afterward. This was in comparison to those treated with standard arthroscopy.
The study, led by Marshall University researchers and published in The Journal of Orthopaedics , compared outcomes for patients undergoing a partial meniscectomy – a common procedure to repair torn knee cartilage – performed with a small, needle-sized scope to those treated with traditional instruments.
Results showed that patients in the needle arthroscopy group experienced less pain during the first two weeks after surgery, reported better early knee function, and required fewer opioid pain medications during recovery.
The multicentre, randomised trial also showed that the smaller-scope approach required less surgical fluid and led to lower pain scores shortly after surgery.
Although both groups recovered similarly after six weeks, patients treated with the minimally invasive technique experienced less discomfort and a quicker early return to activity.
Chad D Lavender, an orthopaedic surgeon at Marshall Health Network, assistant professor of orthopaedic surgery at the Marshall University Joan C Edwards School of Medicine and lead author of the study, said: ‘This study reinforces that smaller, less invasive approaches can make a meaningful difference in how patients experience recovery.
‘By reducing post-operative pain and the need for opioid medications, we can help patients return to their normal lives faster while supporting broader efforts to combat opioid dependency.’
The authors concluded: ‘These findings support the use of NA as an effective, minimally traumatic, tissue-sparing alternative with potential benefits in pain management, functional recovery, and opioid stewardship. Further large sample RCTs are warranted to evaluate long-term outcomes.
