[Arthrotomy--a prearthrotic factor?]

Light-microscopic and electron microscopic findings of the synovial membrane and cartilage were compared, of rabbit knee joints on which arthrotomy and surgical induced instabilisation operation were performed. The joint opening was followed by an inflammation of the synovial membrane, and cartilage changes were similar in joints of arthrotomy and surgically induced instability.

To prevent joints from further damage after arthrotomy or arthroscopy, joints should be spared from weight bearing during the time of synovial inflammation.