[Difficulties and complications in arthroscopic meniscus surgery].

Arthroscopic meniscectomy is one of the most sophisticated techniques in arthroscopic surgery. The actual meniscus resection is a simple surgical exercise - most problems and difficulties arise from the arthroscopic technique. With the aid of legholder, water pumps, video cameras, miniature instruments, motor-driven shavers and Laser-systems (Excimer) it would be possible, to reduce technical problems. Broken instruments are mostly the fault of the surgeon, because force is applied to the delicate tools in tight cavities. It is not just the instrument, which suffers in such cases, but the cartilage of the joint. Several examples of meniscus tears are described to show the possibilities, difficulties and complications of arthroscopic meniscus surgery.