Follow-up results of 3,500 arthroscopic operations on the knee joint.

In a clinical study the postoperative results of 3,500 arthroscopic operations on the knee joint were analyzed with a follow-up period of 1 year. At the time of examination 55.3% of patients were symptom-free, 33.8% had definite relief of symptoms and in 10.9% the symptoms were unchanged or progressive. The results of the different procedures performed varied widely, with the best results being obtained after meniscectomy. The average postoperative hospitalization was 3.5 days. Arthroscopy is a procedure with a low morbidity. Rehabilitation in the immediate postoperative period is accelerated due to reduced pain and functional impairment.