Diagnostic arthroscopy of the knee joint: meniscal findings in a prospective study of 200 examinations.

The arthroscopic techniques and meniscal findings in a prospective study of 200 consecutive arthroscopic examinations are presented. In 52 cases of arthrotomy-proven meniscal tears there were three arthroscopic false negatives giving an accuracy rate for the procedure of 93 percent. Intra-articular instrumentation via multiple puncture sites allowing manipulation of menisci under direct vision was used in 74 cases. Arthroscopy is safe and is an accurate adjunct to clinical examination in the diagnosis of meniscal pathology.