A DISPOSABLE FIBEROPTIC ARTHROSCOPE - A CADAVER STUDY

Nine fresh cadaver ankle joints underwent arthroscopy to determine eff ectiveness of a small diameter, disposable, fiberoptic arthroscope. A sequential examination of the joint was performed through routine ante romedial and anterolateral portals. The anterior aspect of the joint w ith all anatomical structures was well visualized via the two anterior portals. The posterior aspect of the joint was also well visualized v ia anterior portals without distraction due to the flexibility of the scope and its small diameter. The quality of the visualization of the posterior joint from the anterior portals alone was comparable to that from the posterior approach. The results of this study indicate that diagnostic arthroscopy of the ankle joint with this disposable 1.6-mm arthroscope is comparable to the standard 2.7-mm to 5-mm arthroscopes. The size, flexibility, and 30-degrees viewing angle of this scope all ow excellent and thorough joint visualization by routine anterior port als and minimize the need for joint distractors and posterior portals during routine diagnostic ankle arthroscopy.