RESUMEN
Objective To report the method and outcomes ot arthroscopic examination and removal of the.loose bodies from the posterior compartments of the knee. Methods Four mm 30? arthroscope was used to examine the patients with osteoarthritic loose body in the politeal fossa on the preoperative roentgenograms via posterolateral and posteromedial portals. An assistant portal at 1 - 1.5 cm in front of the standard portals was made, and loose bodies were removed arthroscopically. Postoperative algesia on the leg and foot, active flexion and extension of the malleolus, toe and phalanxes, and the lateral stress test of the knee were observed. Results Of the three hundred and sixty-four cases undergone knee arthroscopy during January 1999 to December 2000, 17 case had osteoarthritis and loose bodies in the posterior compartment on the roentgenograms. Loose bodies were found in the posterolateral portal in 9 cases, which were removed arthroscopically. Howerver, no loose body was found via the posteromedial portal. The mean duration of follow-up was 14. 88 months. Except one case with subcutaneous loose body was overlooked and one patient developed hematoma, there was no neurovascular or ligamentous complications. Conclusion It is safe and possible to use 4 mm 30? arthroscope to examine the posterior compartments of the knee and to remove loose bodies.