The 45 degrees arthroscope: A forgotten scope in knee surgery.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Procedures

Background:

• Standard knee arthroscopy often uses 30° scopes, with 70° scopes reserved for posterior compartments.
• A 45° arthroscope offers an alternative with unique visual advantages.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the benefits of the 45° arthroscope in knee arthroscopic procedures.
• To compare the 45° scope's field of view and utility against traditional scopes.

Main Methods:

• The study discusses the optical characteristics and intraoperative application of the 45° arthroscope.
• Comparative analysis of visual fields between 30°, 45°, and 70° arthroscopes.

Main Results:

• The 45° arthroscope provides a wider field of view than the 30° scope.
• It avoids the blind spot associated with the 70° scope, maintaining surgeon orientation.
• The 45° scope is suitable for all knee arthroscopic surgeries, potentially reducing procedure time and contamination risks.

Conclusions:

• The 45° arthroscope is a valuable tool for knee arthroscopy, offering enhanced visualization and efficiency.
• Its utility may extend to arthroscopic surgery in other joints.