Advancing knee diagnostics and treatment: the role of needle arthroscopy

Knee needle arthroscopy (NA) represents a minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic approach for managing a variety of knee joint pathologies. This innovative technique, characterized by a thin, flexible, needle-like device, offers a less invasive alternative to conventional arthroscopy (CA), enabling outpatient procedures with reduced postoperative pain, faster recovery, and minimal scarring. This systematic review examines the current applications, diagnostic accuracy, clinical outcomes, and patient benefits of needle arthroscopy. Studies reveal that NA demonstrates comparable diagnostic efficacy to CA and superior accuracy to MRI for intra-articular knee pathology, particularly in meniscal injuries and anterior cruciate ligament assessments. NA facilitates real-time visualization and interventions under local anesthesia, promoting cost-efficiency and patient satisfaction. Despite its advantages, there are challenges such as limited visualization and technical proficiency. While NA emerges as a promising modality in knee diagnostics and treatment, further large-scale clinical trials are essential to validate its long-term efficacy, safety, and broader applications.