Fluid pump systems for arthroscopy: a comparison of pressure control versus pressure and flow control

We set out to compare two pump systems, one in which pressure alone could be controlled and the second in which pressure and flow could be controlled separately. Assessments were carried out by two observers independently. A variety of arthroscopic procedures were studied including arthroscopy of the knee, anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, arthroscopy and acromioplasty of the shoulder, and arthroscopy of the elbow and ankle. We found that both systems used a similar amount of fluid. However, the operative time was significantly decreased with separate control of pressure and flow. This was related to the fact that there was better visualization and better technical ease with the latter pump. There was significantly less extravasation in the soft tissues. Therefore, based on our assessment, pumps that separately control pressure and flow are significantly better than pumps that control pressure alone. There is distinct advantage in less operative time, greater visualization, technical ease, and less soft tissue extravasation.