The role of arthroscopy in children.

The records for 156 consecutive arthroscopic examinations in children with knee complaints were reviewed. Diagnostic accuracy was based on subsequent arthrotomy and the clinical course in the absence of arthrotomy. All arthroscopies were performed by one person (NCC) between 1975 and 1979. Children under 12 years (most of them aged 6-11 years) accounted for 43 of the patients. The arthroscopic diagnoses were classified into three categories: very useful, useful, and not useful. Arthroscopy was found to be very useful in 30% of children in both age groups, those under and those over 12 years. In all these patients, unnecessary arthrotomies were avoided. Most (63%) of the arthroscopies were found to be useful, since they provided additional findings and biopsies. Only in 5% of cases did the arthroscopy fail to add any information. There were no complications from the procedure. Arthroscopy is an effective diagnostic tool that can be used safely in children.