[The value of X-ray examinations for elective arthroscopy]

In 1990 elective arthroscopy was performed on 327 knees at this department. In all cases X-ray pictures were taken preoperatively. The arthroscopic findings were registered consecutively in a predesigned form. The radiographs were evaluated by an experienced specialist at the radiography department. In 35 cases the X-ray diagnosis was arthrosis, 25 of these cases were confirmed by arthroscopy. Osteochondritis dissecans was found in 10 cases by arthroscopy, four of these were found by X-ray examination. Free bodies were found in six cases at arthroscopy, only three were detected by X-ray examination. As a consequence we find that routine X-ray examination before elective knee arthroscopy is unnecessary provided that clinical signs of conditions expected to be seen by X-ray are absent.