Zone approach to knee arthroscopy

The zone approach to knee arthroscopy divides the knee into ten anatomic zones. This article presents the zone classifications and describes the combination of portals for the arthroscope, the probe, and the operating instruments. The particular leg position which is thought to allow the best visualization of each zone is also described. Alternate portals are necessary in certain situations, as in knees with tight ligamentous structures. This list of standard and alternate portals is not meant to be all-inclusive, but we do urge that all ten zones are examined during arthroscopy. The objectives of this article are to describe a method of arthroscopic examination that is both systematic and comprehensive, and to develop an arthroscopic nomenclature that allows easy localization and reporting of pathology in the knee joint.