Ultrasound-Assisted Posterior Knee Arthroscopy: A Description of the Technique

Abstract

Entering the posterior knee with arthroscopy can be difficult. Scar tissue, a tumor, and the obese patient can make instrument placement difficult and risk iatrogenic injury. Ultrasound can be used to visualize the posterior knee and provide direct guidance of instrumentation. We describe the technique and indications for using ultrasound during arthroscopy. Accurate and atraumatic insertion of instruments can be performed with no damage to total knee components or the knee joint. Ultrasound guidance should be considered during difficult posterior knee arthroscopy.

Keywords: knee arthroscopy; obesity; pigmented villonodular synovitis; posterior portal; total knee replacement; ultrasound.