The introduction of arthroscopy to North America.

Arthroscopy developed as an offshoot of cystoscopy. Various milestones in the development of endoscopy, and some of the individuals who made significant contributions to the development of arthroscopy are described. After World War II, technology improved and arthroscopy became a valuable adjunct to the armamentarium of the orthopaedic surgeon. There has been a tremendous surge of interest and development of arthroscopy since its reintroduction to North America in 1965. Arthroscopy ranks as one of the three most important contributions to orthopaedics in this past century.