[Indications for and contribution of diagnostic arthroscopy of the knee joint]

The paper deals with indications and diagnostic possibilities of arthroscopy of the knee joint. The first part is devoted to the application of arthroscopy in the diagnosis of acute knee injuries. The Gillquists scheme of diagnostic procedure is outlined. Acute arthroscopy is indicate in acute blockade and in hemarthros. Arthroscopy has made the highest contribution in the diagnosis and treatment of damaged meniscus. High attention is devoted to chondropathy of patella and femoropatellar joint. Possibilities of arthroscopy in the evaluation of femoropatellar congruence are described. Less frequent causes of pains in anterior parts of the knee joint are mentioned (overuse sy, patellofemoral impingement sy, etc.). Arthroscopy is a method of choice in the identification and therapy of synovial plicae. In suspected disease of synovial lining the possibility of aimed biopsy is the main advantage. Other indications are as follows: dissecting osteochondrosis, intrajoint bodies of various etiologies, gonarthrosis. Arthroscopy enables a better planning of some operation interventions and to determine further prognosis. In the conclusion the authors draw attention to the contribution of diagnostic arthroscopy of knee joint in younger children, where a clinical examination and, particularly, its evaluation may be difficult.