The present state of arthroscopy

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Abstract
Summary Arthroscopy, the endoscopy of joints, has brought a revolution to the management of knee disorders. The technique was first performed in 1918 but did not gain popularity until the rod-lens and glass fibre bundle were developed. Now, arthroscopic operations are high among the top 10 of all operations performed in the United Kingdom. All operations on the knee, except total joint replacement and patellectomy, can be performed under arthroscopic control. Arthroscopic operations on the shoulder, elbow, hip, ankle and wrist are regularly performed and endoscopic procedures on the spine have been developed. Both disc excision and a limited intervertebral fusion can be completed under endoscopic control through two short paraspinal incisions and endoscopic carpal tunnel decompression is a reality. The operations are generally done using saline distension of the joint with video display of the endoscopic view on a television monitor. Hand instruments are usually preferred but motorized instruments and electrodiathermy are available. The article that follows presents an overview of the present position of endoscopy in orthopaedic surgery.

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