Many of the limitations of conventional diagnostic arthroscopy of the
knee have been largely overcome through the development of techniques that
permit manipulation of intra-articular structures through paired,
coordinated entry sites. Ten accessory entry sites are described. This
technique was tested in sixty-three fresh knees from cadavera and was
employed in fifty-eight knees of ninety patients who required arthroscopy
between September 1976 and July 1977. The technique provided information of
diagnostic significance that was not obtainable on preliminary conventional
arthroscopic examination in 74 per cent of the clinical trials, and it
resulted in no complications. It increased the accuracy and realiability of
diagnostic arthroscopy of the knee and at times helped to avoid an
exploratory arthrotomy while facilitating the planning of therapeutic
arthrotomy.