Abstract

The morbidity after arthroscopic surgery is low; a hospitalization is not necessary in most patients. The possible operations of the knee joint include removal of loose bodies, resections on meniscus, plicae and synovium as well as more complicated procedures as suturing of a meniscus, total synovectomy and operations in patients with osteoarthritis. The advantage of the arthroscopic operation compared with arthrotomy is well documented in meniscal resection (shorter treatment, stay in the hospital and sick leave, reduced costs, and nevertheless excellent results) whereas the indication and clinical value of other arthroscopic procedures (i.e. suturing of a meniscal tear, lateral release, abrasion-arthroplasty) still are discussed. Diagnostic and operative arthroscopy of the shoulder joint has found its place and will certainly improve our knowledge on significance and treatment of disorders and injuries of this joint. In selected cases, an arthroscopy of the elbow, the hip, the ankle, the wrist or the temporomandibular joint offers important diagnostic information and may allow operative treatment. Arthroscopic surgery is technically difficult and not without problems. However, the rate of complications is extremely low (0.56%). Infections occur in significantly less than 1% of the cases. In veterinary medicine, therapeutic arthroscopy is used mainly in horses, but arthroscopies have been performed in the ox, the cow, the pig, the dog, the cat, and the rabbit. Modern joint surgery includes arthroscopic techniques; the training of trauma surgeons and orthopedic surgeons in arthroscopy is therefore mandatory.