We used a saline load test in 50 consecutive patients with periarticular lacerations suggestive of joint penetration. The surgeon had predicted on clinical grounds whether or not the laceration penetrated the joint.

Joint penetration was demonstrated in 14 and was absent in 36. A comparison of the prediction and the test results showed that there were false-positive clinical results in 39% and false-negative in 43%. There were no complications from the use of the test.

Our findings support the use of a saline load test in evaluating periarticular lacerations.

We studied arthroscopically the meniscal pathology in 100 patients with functional instability of the knee from isolated rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament at an average time of three years after injury. Meniscal tears were observed in 86 patients and multiple lesions of both menisci were common. An incomplete longitudinal cleavage, visible on both surfaces of the posterior horn, was seen in more than half the knees and seemed to indicate progressive meniscal deterioration. Clinical examination was unreliable and we suggest that arthroscopic assessment is necessary for accurate diagnosis and staging.