Operative arthroscopy.

Today operative arthroscopy has become increasingly accepted as the method of choice for many knee disorders. Extraction of loose or foreign bodies, division of the medial plica, shaving the patella or fixation of osteochondritis are examples of procedures suitable for the arthroscope. However, arthroscopy has had the largest impact on therapeutic principles in the field of meniscus surgery. It is now technically possible to operate all meniscus lesions endoscopically. The technique developed in Linköping, Sweden, involves the use of a special knife. The principles for removal of flap tears, bucket handles and for subtotal meniscectomy is described. Selection of type of operation can be done according to the need of the particular patient with this technique. The equipment is fairly inexpensive and no operating arthroscopy is needed. The results in the first 200 cases were good or excellent in the majority of patients. The off-work period is very short.