A new modification of the technique of arthroscopy of the knee joint

Experience from arthroscopy in 224 patients with knee complaints is reported. The common method for arthroscopy is compared with a new modification developed during the study. The new method includes introduction of a 5 mm arthroscope through the patellar tendon at the level of the joint line and the use of hooks to test the menisci and the ligaments. The experience from this method shows that it gives an expanded field of vision and that technical failures are less frequent. No complications occurred. It is stated that arthroscopy is of great value in the diagnosis of knee injuries. However, a high diagnostic accuracy can only be reached by an experienced operator using a strictly standardized method.