ARTHROSCOPIC RETRIEVAL OF METAL FOREIGN-BODIES FROM THE KNEE-JOINT AFTER WAR WOUNDS

From 1991 to 1995 metal bodies were removed from 16 knee joints (in 16 patients) using arthroscopic procedures. In 14 patients the wound res ulted from explosive devices and in two from rifle bullets. Nine patie nts had more than one wound. Arthroscopy was performed on average 8.23 months after the injury took place (ranging from 14 days to 4 years). One metal foreign body was retrieved from 13 patients two from two an d four from one patient The size of the metal foreign bodies varied fr om 2 to 24 mm, with an average of 8.61 mm. Different degrees of joint damage were present in all but one patient. The metal bodies were foun d in the posterolateral angle by the popliteus tendon in four patients , in three of whom the metal bodies went into this position during art hroscopy. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd.