Arthroscopy and arthrography. A combined procedure.

Arthrography and arthroscopy are invasive diagnostic procedures performed on all main joints of the human body. Both procedures are effective, with differing methods of visualizing intra-articular structures. Whereas the arthrogram reproduces a black-and-white, two-dimensional picture of a spatial structure (an indirect procedure), arthroscopy provides a colored picture facilitating a three-dimensional assessment of the joint cavity, palpation, and the arthroscopic operation. However, both procedures have their weaknesses. False-positive and false-negative results may occur in arthrographic techniques, whereas in arthroscopy, the inability to visualize particular joint regions resulting from the anatomical features of the joints is known. Arthroscopy and arthrography are complementary procedures in joint diagnosis. The present paper is based on experience gathered in 5188 arthroscopies of the six large human joints. Prior to all hand and hip arthroscopies, arthrographic examinations were performed. They provided essential information in 30% of all ankle-joint arthroscopies and in 10% of all knee arthroscopies, but in only a few elbow and shoulder arthroscopies.