Arthroscopic knee surgery.

Endoscopic knee surgery, like other endoscopic procedures in other specialties, takes considerable time and patience to learn. But once the technique is learned, the noninvasive, nondestructive nature of endoscopy lends itself well to many types of knee operations, and we are beginning to see results at 4 and 5 years that are at least equal to those achieved by the same operation done with an arthrotomy, and with a marked reduction in complications and morbidity. Patient acceptance of these endoscopic knee procedures is very high because of the small scars, minimal postoperative discomfort, rapid rehabilitation and return to work, and avoidance of a lengthy and costly hospitalization. The challenge to arthroscopic surgeons is to perform these operations without damaging normal structures within the knee joint. The use of television has greatly enhanced the ability to teach residents and carry on postgraduate instruction. The coming years should bring an ever-increasing utilization of arthroscopy in managing most knee problems, as well as some limited use in other joints.