[Intra-operative complications in arthroscopic operations. Results of a re-arthroscopy study]

The overall complication rate of arthroscopy and arthroscopic procedure is very low. Iatrogenic arthroscopic joint lesions, especially the alteration of articular cartilage does occur, but there is no idea of proportions and importance of these lesions. Persistent pain and swelling after arthroscopic procedure lead to repeat arthroscopy and therefore to a check of diagnosis and treatment. From 1. 1. 1987-30. 6. 1990 we carried out 239 second-look arthroscopies of knee joint, 121 after diagnostic arthroscopy and arthroscopic procedure. In 34% we had to revise the first diagnosis. After arthroscopic procedure we saw in more than 50% unsatisfactory results. The most important reason for persistent symptoms after arthroscopic meniscectomy were cartilage lesions.