The role of arthroscopy in the management of knee injuries in the athlete.

The athlete who has an acute knee injury requires early diagnosis and treatment, an accurate estimate of the extent of the injury and the time required for rehabilitation, and an ultimate prognosis for function. Arthroscopic evaluation is extremely useful in these persons because it allows an accurate early diagnosis of injuries to the menisci, cruciate ligaments, articular cartilage, joint capsule, and synovium. Early diagnosis allows selection of the treatment modalities that will permit the most rapid return of the athlete to sports activities in the minimal amount of time. The concept of temporizing rather than early diagnosis is not a viable technique in the athlete. A review of 63 bucket-handle tears of the medial meniscus which were treated arthroscopically revealed a rapid return to function. Athletic endeavors could be performed competitively an average of 4 weeks after arthroscopic treatment. Arthroscopy is a valuable agent in the evaluation and management of acute knee injuries in athletes. An aggressive program of diagnosis should be pursued.