Prearthrotomy diagnostic evaluation of the knee: review of 100 cases diagnosed by arthrography and arthroscopy.

The results of 100 prearthrotomy evaluations of the knee including clinical examinations, arthrography, and arthroscopy were correlated with surgical findings. Arthroscopy was most accurate for meniscal lesions involving the central edge and anterior horn, anterior cruciate lesions, and chondromalacia. Arthrography was most accurate for midbody and peripheral tears. The combined accuracy of arthrography and arthroscopy in diagnosing all pathology within the 100 operated knees was 97%. Our results indicate that prearthrotomy arthroscopy and arthrography are complementary examinations and not mutually exclusive.