Arthroscopic surgery in a mobile army surgical hospital deployed to former Yugoslavia: a report of five cases.

The 212th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital was deployed from Germany to former Yugoslavia to provide medical support for approximately 25,000 United Nations soldiers. This medical unit was the first mobile army hospital ever to deploy with a capability for arthroscopic surgery, obtained 4 months into the deployment. During a 2-month period, five knee arthroscopies were performed for various indications. There were no complications. Three patients returned to duty, and two were repatriated to their home countries. This preliminary report suggests that knee arthroscopy is feasible in a forward deployed field hospital and often allows soldiers to return to duty quickly.