Arthroscopy of the knee in war injuries

The results of arthroscopic removal of bullets and explosive ordnance fragments from the knee joint are presented. The operations were performed on 18 patients injured in battle operations in the former Yugoslavian territory in the period September 1991-October 1994. The indications for arthroscopic operations were positive radiographic findings, a locked knee, pain, effusion, instability and painful movement. In 13 patients, bullets and explosive ordnance fragments were removed arthroscopically, while in five patients, the clinic findings were found to be misleading. There were no complications from the arthroscopic surgery.