Arthroscopic meniscectomy. Technique, problems, complications, and follow-up results

After gaining experience in 1,000 diagnostic arthoscopies arthroscopic surgery has been performed in 300 patients between 1979 and 1982, including 100 cases of meniscectomy. A report is given on the technique, problems, complications, and early follow-up results. A select approach to endoscopic surgery has been chosen for the treatment of different meniscus lesions. A combination of motorized instruments and modified manual Gillquist technique has been applied. The legholder is of great help for arthroscopic surgery of posterior horn lesion, especially in tight knees. There were only few problems with endoscopic meniscectomy. The reason for performing arthrotomy in eight cases was the lack of a suitable legholder and inaccurate placement of the instruments in the early stages of our experience. Hospital stay was generally 3-5 days. Postoperative pain was markedly reduced. The majority of those patients with a meniscus lesion as the exclusive abnormality in their knee joint experienced a rapid recovery and returned to work within 2 weeks after surgery. After surgery there was a moderate swelling of the knee joint in 40% of our patients. The swelling diminished rapidly within the 1st week after surgery.