Arthroscopic surgery of the knee.

Seventy-nine arthroscopies of the knee were performed between January 1989 and March 1992. There were sixty-one males and eighteen females. The age range was from 12 to 78 years and the mean age was thirty-four years. Fifty patients had torn menisci. The menisci were removed arthroscopically in forty cases, arthrotomy being needed in the other ten cases. Following arthroscopic meniscectomies, patients returned to work in seven days, and to sporting activities in eight to ten weeks. Chondromalacia of the patella and femoral condyles were diagnosed in nineteen cases. These were treated by arthroscopic shaving and drilling of the irregular articular surfaces. In two cases, the procedure was used for assessment prior to other operations. Arthroscopy failed in two other patients due to pain and swelling and was normal in the remaining six cases.