Abstract
Arthroscopic surgery performed on the medial or lateral compartments of the knee most commonly involves resection or repairs of tears of the posterior horns of the menisci. In osteoarthritic, anterior cruciate ligament-deficient, ligamentously tight, or very large adult knees, arthroscopic surgery through the conventional anterolateral and antero-medial ports can be difficult. It often gives rise to the risk of iatrogenic damage to the articular surfaces and structures of the knee. Establishing an accessory medial and/or lateral port for instrumentation has proved an easy and safe technique in conducting arthroscopic surgery to the posterior (medial and/or lateral) compartments of the knee.
This technique was used on 103 patients where access to the posterior compartments of the knee proved problematic. The technique is simple but highly effective and safe and is recommended for the inexperienced arthroscopist.
The abstracts were prepared by Professor M.B.E. Sweet. Correspondence should be addressed to him at PO Box 47363, Parklands, Johannesburg 2121, South Africa.
