[Early arthroscopy in diagnosis and treatment of acute injury of the knee].

Twelve patients with swelling and functional embarrassment of the knee joint caused by a traffic accident were radiographically found to have tibial plateau fractures (7 patients), posterior dislocation (1), fracture of anterior tibial spine (1), single fracture of the posterior tibial spine (1), anterior dislocation (1), and negative findings (1). Arthroscopy was performed 2 to 10 days after trauma, revealed associated injuries not shown on X-ray films in every knee including rupture of cruciate ligaments (ACL 8, PCL 1), tear of menisci (lateral one 8; medial one 2), and disruption of collateral ligaments (medial one 3; lateral 1). These injuries were promptly treated accordingly either through the scope or by open operation. Beside, inadequately reduced bone fragments, viewed through the scope, were further corrected incidentally and conveniently. We believe that early arthroscopy for acute knee injury is a real necessity in perfecting diagnosis and improving treatment.