Technical evolution of arthroscopic knee surgery

Abstract

The widespread growth of arthroscopic techniques and their use has dramatically changed the practice of orthopaedic surgery. A high degree of clinical accuracy and minimally invasive procedure with a low surgical morbidity have encouraged the use of arthroscopy to assist in diagnosis, to determine prognosis and to provide treatment. In particular, the knee is the proper joint in which arthroscopy has its diagnostic and intraarticular surgical application. The rapid advancement of arthroscopic techniques has demonstrated a variety of surgical techniques in procedures such as meniscectomy, meniscal repair and cruciate ligament reconstruction during the last decade. This article reviews the past history of arthroscopy and technical evolution of arthroscopy in knee surgery in our department.