Table 5: Methods of Randomized Controlled Trials on Arthroscopic Debridement.

Author, Year	Study Design, Follow-up Period	Inclusion Criteria	Exclusion Criteria
Hubbard et al., 1996 (9)	Single-centre RCT*, 5 yrs	On initial diagnostic arthroscopy: isolated degenerative lesions on medial femoral condyle of grade III or IV (Outerbridge classification); symptoms > 1 year; no previous knee surgery on same knee (surgery in contralateral knee permitted), laxity, deformity, other intra-articular pathology; normal plain radiograph, modified Lysholm score < 38/70. Subchondral sclerosis of grades I to III of medial femoral condyle accepted.	Knees with degenerative lesion other than medial femoral condyle, or any other intra-articular pathology; knees in which radiographs showed loss of joint space, had previous surgery or steroid injection for any reason.
Moseley et al., 2002 (7)	Single-centre RCT, 24 mos	Age ≤ 75yrs.; at least moderate knee pain despite maximal medical treatment for > 6 mos; no knee arthroscopy in previous 2 yrs; informed consent.	Severity ≥ 9 (on scale of 0–12) based on radiographic findings of 3 compartments of knee; severe deformity; serious medical problems.

^*RCT indicates randomized controlled trial.