Arthroscopy of the knee under local anesthesia and controlled pressure-irrigation.

One hundred and forty-two arthroscopies under local anesthesia, using "high pressure" irrigation-suction technique were carried out in 137 patients. With this technique the duration of the examination was shortened, the endoscopic field of vision was enlarged (posterior horn of the menisci could be visualized in most patients), the manipulation of the scope inside the joint cavity was easier and safer. More patients could have been examined during one session. The arthroscopic accuracy verified at 51 operations, was 90.5%, which is an improvement on our previous experience with arthroscopy under general anesthesia, with tourniquet and the routine " drip" technique.