Arthroscopy in total knee replacements.

The purpose of this presentation is to relate to the author's experience in treating eight patients for fibroarthrosis following total knee replacements from June 1983 to September 1986. Patients were obtained from referrals by independent orthopedists who had performed total knee replacements and believed that their patients' range of motion (ROM) and pain level were unsatisfactory after trying all standard treatment modalities. Patients evaluated their results through questionnaires and patients were also evaluated by an independent examiner. Improvement in flexion was consistent, yet extension was not generally improved. Postoperative pain level was reduced as compared with preoperative pain level, and there were no major complications. Indications for arthroscopy in total knee arthroplasties are not well defined, but results appear promising for the fibroarthrotic patient with regard to improvement in flexion and subjective pain reduction.