Comparison of needle and conventional arthroscopy for visualisation of predefined anatomical structures of the knee joint: a feasibility study in human cadavers and patients.

BACKGROUND: In terms of the optics used for Knee arthroscopy, a large number of different endoscopes are currently available. However, the use of the 30° optics in knee arthroscopy has been established as the standard procedure for many years. As early as the 1990s, needle arthroscopy was occasionally used as a diagnostic tool. In addition to the development of conventional optics technology in terms of camera and resolution, needle arthroscopes are now available with chip-on-tip image sensor technology. To date, no study has compared the performance of this kind of needle arthroscopy versus standard arthroscopy in the clinical setting in terms of the visibility of anatomical landmarks. In this monocentric prospective feasibility study, our aim was to evaluate predefined anatomical landmarks of the knee joint using needle arthroscopy (0° optics) and conventional knee arthroscopy (30° optics) and compare their performance during knee surgery. METHODS: Examinations were performed on eight cadavers and seven patients who required elective knee arthroscopy. Two surgeons independently performed the examinations on these 15 knee joints, so that we were able to compare a total of 30 examinations. The focus was on the anatomical landmarks that could be visualized during a conventional diagnostic knee arthroscopy procedure. The quality of visibility was evaluated using a questionnaire. RESULTS: In summary, the average visibility for all the anatomic landmarks was rated 4.98/ 5 for the arthroscopy using 30° optics. For needle arthroscopy, an average score of 4.89/ 5 was obtained. Comparatively, the needle arthroscope showed slightly limited visibility of the retropatellar gliding surface in eight (4.5/ 5 vs. 5/ 5), medial rim of the patella in four (4.85/ 5 vs. 5/ 5), and suprapatellar recess in four (4.83/ 5 vs. 5/ 5) cases. Needle arthroscopy was slightly better at visualizing the posterior horn of the medial meniscus in four knee joints (4.9/ 5 vs. 4.85/ 5). CONCLUSION: Needle arthroscopy is a promising technology with advantages in terms of minimally invasive access and good visibility of anatomical landmarks. However, it also highlights some limitations, particularly in cases with challenging anatomy or the need for a wide field of view.

Bailout Options for Intra-operative Implant and Instrumentation Related Incidents and Complications During Arthroscopic Knee Surgery-A Retrospective Study.

Background: Arthroscopic knee procedures are one amongst the common surgical interventions for problems in the knee. It is technically more demanding than an open procedure and is associated with several potential complications. During arthroscopy procedures, several technical challenges may arise, and even experienced surgeons may encounter new issues. However, careful attention to the surgical technique can help prevent or resolve them. Methodology: The study was conducted on all patients who underwent knee arthroscopy procedure during study period. We recorded details of the implants used and any unexpected situations related to them, as well as how they were managed. Instrumentation-related parameters such as screwdriver issues, radiofrequency ablator issues, scope damages, shaver complications, probe complications, and meniscus suture passing devices were also assessed. Results: In total, there were 12 (3.73%) implant and instrument-related incidents and complications, of which 5 (1.55%) were implant-related and 7 (2.17%) were instrument related. Among the instrumentation-related incidents and complications, two (0.62%) were screwdriver breakage incidents, two (0.62%) were radiofrequency ablator-related incidents, one was arthroscopic probe (0.31%) related incident, one (0.31%) was meniscus suture passing device related complication and one (0.31%) was arthroscope related incident. Conclusion: Surgeons must be ready to anticipate and effectively manage any technical difficulties that may arise during the procedure, maintaining composure in the face of unexpected challenges and guiding the team. In most cases, incidents can be addressed intra operatively and may not have long-term effects on patient outcomes. It is crucial to have multiple implant and instrument backup options available for successful surgery.

Chondroblastoma of proximal tibia diagnosed by arthroscopy-guided biopsy: a case report.

Chondroblastoma considered a rare form of osseous neoplasm contributes less than 1% of all bone tumours. It is typically found in young patients with chief complaints of moderate pain with joint stiffness. It develops as a lytic lesion in the epiphysis of long bones which might spread to the metaphysis. We report a case of an 18-year-old patient who presented with progressive right knee pain which aggravated with movements. Investigations included X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and biochemical assessment. A focal, well-defined, lesion in the upper end of the tibia with surrounding marrow oedema was observed and diagnostic arthroscopy was taken for management. Histopathology of specimen observed chondroblasts proliferation with areas of mature cartilage, and giant cells confirming intrasynovial chondroblastoma. Usually, surgery is the treatment of choice; however, possibilities of the secondary bone cyst, haemosiderin deposition on the joint, etc., make treatment approaches uncertain. Diagnostic arthroscopy is a rare but essential modality in such cases due to better visuals, complete tumour excision, and combination with adjuvant therapies. Chondroblastoma, if untreated, proves detrimental, hence, a thorough evaluation is critical for overall better outcomes.

Síndrome de la banda iliotibial / Iliotibial band syndrome

Introducción: El dolor en la rodilla responde a múltiples causas. Entre ellas se encuentra el síndrome de la banda iliotibial que afecta, principalmente, a pacientes jóvenes que practican cierta actividad deportiva. Objetivo: Actualizar y ofrecer información sobre el síndrome de la banda iliotibial. Métodos: La búsqueda y análisis de la información se realizó en un periodo de 92 días (01 de julio al 30 de septiembre de 2020). Se emplearon las siguientes palabras: iliotibial band syndrome, iliotibial band friction syndrome AND lateral knee pain. Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica de un total de 186 artículos publicados en las bases de datos PubMed, Hinari, SciELO y Medline mediante el gestor de búsqueda y administrador de referencias EndNote, de ellos se utilizaron 40 citas seleccionadas para realizar la revisión, 38 de los últimos cinco años. Desarrollo: Se mencionan las características anatómicas más importantes relacionadas con la banda iliotibial. Se refiere a las maniobras empleadas, así como los exámenes imagenológicos de mayor utilidad. Se exponen las principales entidades implicadas en el diagnóstico diferencial. Con relación al tratamiento se mencionan las modalidades conservadoras y quirúrgicas. Conclusiones: El síndrome de la banda iliotibial es una enfermedad que tiene como característica fundamental dolor lateral de la rodilla el cual aumenta con la actividad física. El tratamiento conservador constituye la primera línea y el quirúrgico está justificado a los seis meses de respuesta limitada a la primera modalidad del enfrentamiento terapéutico(AU)

Introduction: Knee pain responds to multiple causes such as the iliotibial band syndrome that mainly affects young patients who practice certain sports activities. Objective: To update and offer information on iliotibial band syndrome. Methods: The search and analysis of the information was carried out in a period of 92 days - from July 1 to September 30, 2020, with the words iliotibial band syndrome, iliotibial band friction syndrome AND lateral knee pain. A bibliographic review of 186 articles published in PubMed, Hinari, SciELO and Medline databases was carried out using the EndNote search manager and reference manager, Forty citations were selected to perform the review, 38 of them were from the last five years. Development: The most important anatomical characteristics related to the iliotibial band are mentioned. They refer to the maneuvers used, as well as the most useful imaging tests. The main entities involved in the differential diagnosis are presented. Regarding treatment, conservative and surgical modalities are mentioned. Conclusions: The iliotibial band syndrome is a disease, main characterized by lateral knee pain, which increases with physical activity. Conservative treatment constitutes the first option; in addition, surgical treatment is justified after six months of limited response to the first option of therapeutic management(AU)

[Hip arthroscopy technique]. / Technik der Hüftarthroskopie.

OBJECTIVE: Arthroscopy of the central and peripheral compartment is an obligatory part of hip arthroscopy to evaluate, confirm or find pathologies and their treatment. INDICATIONS: Loose bodies, lesions of the labrum and ligamentum capitis femoris, cartilage damage, femoroacetabular impingement, synovial diseases, initial osteoarthritis, femoral head necrosis (ARCO stage 1-2) and adhesions. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Local infections, bone tumors near the joint, extensive peri-articular ossification, severe arthrofibrosis with peri-articular involvement, advanced osteoarthritis, protrusio acetabuli, advanced femoral head necrosis (from ARCO stage 3-4 extended), recent fracture of the acetabulum and extensive joint capsule tears. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Precise positioning of the patient on a fracture table is essential to avoid complications. Central and peripheral compartment arthroscopy requires at least 2, in some cases more than 3 portals. Arthroscopy of the central compartment is carried out under traction by an anterolateral (AL) and anterior portal (A). A posterolateral (PL) portal and distal ventrolateral portal (DVL) may also be required. For peripheral compartment arthroscopy, an anterolateral (AL) and anterior (A), alternatively/additively a proximal ventrolateral portal (PVL) and/or and distal ventrolateral (DVL) portal are established in 45° flexion and no traction of the hip joint. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Mobilization with full weight bearing from the day of the operation, crutches are optional. After stimulating cartilage surgery or autologous chondrocyte transplantation, partial weight bearing of 10 kg on crutches is indicated until the end of postoperative week 6. Physiotherapy with full range of motion allowed, except for labrum refixation, should take place from postoperative day 1. RESULTS: From 01/2010-12/2019, 2815 hip arthroscopies were performed; average patient age 43 (12-81) years. All procedures include a diagnostic arthroscopy of the hip. Two to 5 portals were used. Average operation time was 70 (18-48) min. In 26 cases (0.9%), arthroscopy of the central compartment at a high CE angle was not possible or not performed, even after previous arthroscopy of the peripheral compartment with capsule release. Intraoperative or directly postoperative problems and complications were rare, e.g., damage to the skin/genitals due to contact pressure (0.7%), instrument breakage (0.5%), transient lesions of the pudendus nerve (<1.5%).

Diagnostic Wrist Arthroscopy.

After reviewing this article, readers should have a comprehensive understanding of the indications for diagnostic arthroscopy, technical considerations in performing a systematic evaluation of the wrist, and limitations of this technique.

Diagnostic Wrist Arthroscopy for Nonspecific Wrist Pain.

Background: This study addresses the prevalence of discrete pathophysiology accounting for patients' symptoms during diagnostic wrist arthroscopy in individuals with wrist pain without a specific preoperative diagnosis. Secondarily, we determined the number and type of surgeries subsequent to diagnostic wrist arthroscopy. Methods: Between January 2000 and January 2015, 135 diagnostic wrist arthroscopies were performed by 12 surgeons in 3 urban academic hospitals. We recorded the diagnostic findings of diagnostic wrist arthroscopy and any subsequent surgeries. Results: One hundred and five patients had synovitis or a normal wrist (78%), 17 had likely age-appropriate changes (eg, central triangular fibrocartilage complex defects scapholunate changes) (13%), 8 (6%) were given uncommon diagnoses, and 5 (4%) had osteochondral defects. Sixteen patients (12%) had subsequent wrist surgery: 2 were for adverse events, 2 were carpal tunnel releases, and 12 were other surgeries. Conclusion: Diagnostic arthroscopy performed in the setting of an unclear preoperative diagnosis yielded limited diagnostic benefit.

A Checklist Intervention to Assess Resident Diagnostic Knee and Shoulder Arthroscopic Efficiency.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this investigation was to apply an arthroscopic shoulder and knee checklist in the evaluation of orthopedic resident arthroscopic skill efficiency and to demonstrate the use of a surgical checklist for assessing resident surgical efficiency over the course of a surgical rotation. METHODS: Orthopedic surgery residents rotating on the sports medicine service at our institution between 2011 and 2015 were enrolled in this study. Residents were administered a shoulder and knee arthroscopy assessment tool at the beginning and end of their 6-week rotation. The assessment tools consisted of checklist items for knee and shoulder arthroscopy skills. Residents were timed while performing these checklist tasks. The primary outcome measure was resident improvement as a function of time to completion for the checklist items, and the intervention was participation in a 6-week resident rotation with weekly arthroscopy didactics, cadaver simulator work, and operating room experience. A paired t test was used to compare means. RESULTS: Mean time to checklist completion during week 1 among study participants for the knee checklist was 787.4 seconds for the knee checklist and 484.4 seconds at the end of the rotation. Mean time to checklist completion during week 1 among study participants for the shoulder checklist was 1655.3 seconds and 832.7 seconds for the shoulder checklist at the end of the rotation. Mean improvement in time to completion was 303 seconds (p = 0.0006, SD = 209s) and 822.6 seconds (p = 0.00008, SD = 525.2s) for the arthroscopic knee and shoulder assessments, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: An arthroscopic checklist is 1 method to evaluate and assess resident efficiency and improvement during surgical training. Among residents participating in this study, we found statistically significant improvements in time for arthroscopic task completion. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Diagnostic and therapeutic arthroscopy in the standing horse.

This article describes diagnostic arthroscopy and arthroscopic management of selected lesions in the standing equine patient. Details on case selection, patient and operating room preparation, and surgical technique are presented. This information will add techniques that avoid general anesthesia to the equine surgeon's armamentarium.