Arthroscopic retrieval of an unusual foreign body of the knee.

We report an unusual use of the arthroscope in the case of a man who accidentally shot himself through his left thigh, the bullet ending up in the ipsilateral knee joint. After radiographic diagnosis, the bullet was successfully removed through a standard arthroscopic procedure. The patient had a quick and complete recovery. Review of the literature and the 4 steps of successful management of gunshot wounds are included.