Abstract
The posterior compartments of the knee are not routinely visualised during arthroscopy. However, considerable pathology can occur here and be overlooked. The purpose of this study was to assess both the use of posterior knee joint inspection and the use of posterior portals. The operative technique of posterior portal placement is described.
A retrospective audit of all knee arthroscopies performed by a single surgeon from August 2004 to March 2006 was carried out.
108 arthroscopies were performed and posterior portals were used in 20 patients. The posterior portal was used predominately for instrumentation rather than visualisation. The main indication for use of a posterior portal was for meniscal preparation during meniscal repair. Loose bodies were removed from the posterior compartment in six cases. A posterior portal was used to inspect the PCL stump for debridement and possible PCL reconstruction in one patient. There were no specific complications attributable to portal placement.
Posterior portals were utilised in over fifteen percent of cases. These portals are easy to create and are particularly useful in meniscal repair and loose body removal. Specific complications of posterior knee portals have been
The abstracts were prepared by David AF Morgan. Correspondence should be addressed to him at davidafmorgan@aoa.org.au
Declaration of interest: a
