COMPLICATIONS OF OFFICE-BASED ARTHROSCOPY OF THE KNEE

Objective. To analyze the complication rates associated with office ba sed arthroscopy in 2 community based rheumatology practices. Methods. A retrospective analysis of 335 office based arthroscopy performed on 306 patients over a 35 mo period. All patients met specific clinical c riteria to qualify for office based arthroscopy. Patients were followe d postarthroscopy for a minimum of 12 weeks to assess the rates and ty pes of complications. Results. Of the 335 office based arthroscopies, 131 were diagnostic only, while 204 procedures were diagnostic and the rapeutic. A total of 280 interventions were performed. Both major and minor complications were seen. The complication rates for major and mi nor events were 1.2 and 12.8%, respectively. There was no mortality or longterm morbidity. Conclusion. Office based arthroscopy in patients with rheumatic diseases has a safety profile that compares favorably w ith arthroscopy performed in an ambulatory surgical center or operatin g room setting.