Abstract:Objective To explore the clinical effect of arthroscopic debridement combined with periarticular knee osteotomy in the treatment of unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis (KOA).Methods A total of 87 patients with unicompartmental KOA in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University from June 2022 to August 2024 were retrospectively selected and divided into two groups based on different treatment methods. The control group (n = 50) underwent arthroscopic debridement of the knee, while the observation group (n = 37) received arthroscopic debridement combined with periarticular knee osteotomy. Perioperative parameters, pain levels, knee joint function, complications, and quality of life were compared between the two groups.Results The operative duration in the observation group was significantly longer than that in the control group (P < 0.05). Repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare VAS scores at rest before surgery, at 1 week after surgery, and at 4 weeks after surgery. The results showed that the VAS scores differed significantly across time points (P < 0.05) and between the two groups (P < 0.05), with the observation group showing lower postoperative VAS scores and better analgesic effects. The change trends of VAS scores also differed significantly between the groups (P < 0.05). Repeated measures ANOVA was also used to compare knee flexion and extension ranges of motion before surgery and at 3 and 6 months postoperatively. The results indicated that flexion and extension ranges differed significantly across time points (P < 0.05) and between the two groups (P < 0.05), and that the change trends in flexion and extension ranges also differed significantly between the groups (P < 0.05). Similarly, repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare HSS and BBS scores before surgery and at 3 and 6 months postoperatively. The results showed that HSS and BBS scores differed significantly across time points (P < 0.05) and between the two groups (P < 0.05), and that the change trends also differed significantly between groups (P < 0.05). After treatment, HKA values in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05), whereas FTA values were significantly lower (P < 0.05). The changes in HKA and FTA before and after treatment were greater in the observation group than in the control group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in complication rates between the two groups (P > 0.05). After treatment, GQOL-74 scores were significantly higher in the observation group compared with the control group (P < 0.05), and the pre- to post-treatment change in GQOL-74 scores was also greater in the observation group (P < 0.05).Conclusion For patients with unicompartmental KOA, arthroscopic debridement combined with periarticular knee osteotomy can effectively reduce pain, promote the recovery of knee function and range of motion, improve quality of life, and demonstrate good safety.