Arthroscopic training using pig knee joints.

Arthroscopy can be a difficult technique for the resident and staff physician to master. Various models have been constructed to allow the training arthroscopist time to perfect the technique. Aside from cadaver knees, there has been only one report of a successful in vivo training model. Sectioned pig knee joints for teaching and practicing arthroscopy satisfy many of the points suggested by others: they are cost effective, easy to use, mount and store, provide a realistic approach, and have comparable structural anatomy to the human knee.