Intra-articular pressure in the knee during routine arthroscopy

The intra-articular pressure in 19 knees was studied during routine knee arthroscopy with saline insufflation. Filling pressures of up to 300 mm Hg were noted. The average range of intra-articular pressure during the procedure was found to be 40-70 mm Hg. Higher pressures were usually needed to keep good distension while performing arthroscopic surgery in the suprapatellar pouch, whereas the pressure could be as low as 20 mm Hg and still enable good vision in the tibio-femoral compartments.