Diagnostic Arthroscopy

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Diagnostic Arthroscopy - Joint Peep Show

  • Definition: Minimally invasive surgical (MIS) procedure to visualize, diagnose, & sometimes treat joint problems.
  • Purpose: Direct internal inspection of a joint using an arthroscope (a small camera).
  • Advantages:
    • Minimally invasive: Smaller incisions, ↓ pain, faster recovery vs. open surgery.
    • High diagnostic accuracy: Superior visualization of structures.
    • Allows for biopsy & minor therapeutic interventions simultaneously.
  • General Indications (common):
    • Knee: Meniscal tears, ACL/PCL injuries, cartilage damage, loose bodies.
    • Shoulder: Rotator cuff tears, impingement syndrome, labral tears, instability.

⭐ Arthroscopy allows direct visualization and dynamic assessment of intra-articular structures.

Portals & Setup - Keyhole Commute

Triangulation principle: Key for 'keyhole' surgery; scope in one portal (e.g., standard 30° arthroscope), instruments in others. Patient Positioning: Supine (Knee); Lateral decubitus or Beach chair (Shoulder). Anaesthesia: General, regional (spinal/epidural), or local.

  • Knee Portals (Standard):
    • Anterolateral (AL): Primary viewing.
    • Anteromedial (AM): Primary working.
    • Superolateral (SL): Outflow, accessory instrumentation.
  • Shoulder Portals (Standard):
    • Posterior: Primary viewing.
    • Anterior: Primary working.

⭐ The anterolateral portal is often the initial viewing portal for knee arthroscopy.

Instrumentation - Scope & Probe Parade

  • Arthroscope: Viewing tool; rod-lens/fiber optics. Angles: 30° (workhorse), 70° (posterior).
  • Light Source: Xenon/LED for bright illumination.
  • Camera & Monitor: HD camera to monitor display.
  • Irrigation System: Fluid (saline) for distension, clarity; pressure control.
  • Hand Instruments:
    • Probe: Tactile feedback, assess tissue.
    • Grasper: Manipulate/retrieve tissue/loose bodies.
    • Biopsy Forceps: Tissue sampling.
  • Shaver: Motorized debridement (mainly therapeutic).

⭐ A 30° arthroscope is the workhorse for most diagnostic procedures.

Common Findings - Lesion Lookout

Systematic intra-articular examination is key.

  • Knee:
    • Meniscal tears (types: radial, longitudinal, bucket-handle, flap, complex)
    • Ligament: ACL, PCL injuries
    • Chondral damage (Outerbridge classification)
    • Synovitis, loose bodies
  • Shoulder:
    • Rotator cuff tears (partial/full)
    • Labral lesions: Bankart, SLAP
    • Impingement signs
    • Biceps tendon pathology
  • Documentation: Images/video vital.

📌 Outerbridge Grades: Softening (I), Small frags <1.5cm (II), Large frags >1.5cm (III), Bone exposed (IV).

GradeDescription
0Normal cartilage
ICartilage softening & swelling
IIFissures/fragmentation < 1.5cm diameter
IIIFissures/fragmentation > 1.5cm diameter
IVExposed subchondral bone

⭐ The Outerbridge classification is commonly used to grade articular cartilage damage observed during arthroscopy.

Complications & Contraindications - Cautionary Tales

  • Complications: 📌 Mnemonic: I Never Drink Sour Milk (Infection, Neurovascular injury, DVT, Stiffness/Adhesions, Material failure).
    • Other key risks: Fluid extravasation (→ Compartment syndrome ⚠️), Haemarthrosis.
  • Contraindications:
    • Absolute: Active sepsis (e.g., joint infection).
    • Relative: Severe uncontrolled medical comorbidities, active skin lesions over portal sites.

⭐ Fluid extravasation leading to compartment syndrome is a rare but serious complication, especially in prolonged procedures or with high pump pressures.

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Minimally invasive technique for direct intra-articular visualization.
  • Gold standard for diagnosing meniscal tears, ligament injuries (ACL/PCL), and cartilage damage.
  • Allows precise biopsy and synovial fluid analysis under direct vision.
  • Commonly performed on knee, shoulder, hip, ankle, and wrist joints.
  • Potential complications: Infection, hemarthrosis, nerve injury, DVT (though rare).
  • Key contraindications: Active joint/skin infection, severe arthrofibrosis.
  • Superior to MRI for certain subtle chondral lesions and dynamic joint assessment.
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Practice Questions: Diagnostic Arthroscopy

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2 standard portals are used in arthroscopy:Anteromedial - _____Anterolateral - visualising camera

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2 standard portals are used in arthroscopy:Anteromedial - _____Anterolateral - visualising camera

instrumentation

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