title: Diagnostic arthroscopy of the knee joint: comparison of the accuracy of physical examination, contrast arthrography and arthroscopy.
abstract: A group of 474 patients was retrospectively studied to assess the value of physical examination, arthrography and arthroscopy in the diagnosis of knee pathology. In 54% of cases, the correct clinical diagnosis was made from the patient's history, physical examination and standard radiology. The diagnosis at arthrography, especially in chondropathy and synovitis, appeared to be unreliable (only 46% corresponded to the definitive diagnosis). Contrast-arthrography of the knee joint is an invasive technique which provides relatively little extra (reliable) information, and is therefore not suitable as a standard procedure. Diagnostic arthroscopy is a superior and safe technique. Apart from the essential clinical assessment of patients with acute or chronic knee complaints (patient history, physical examination and standard radiology), there is a wide range of indications for diagnostic arthroscopy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University Hospital, State University Utrecht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: G J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Clevers
authors.forename: L S
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: de Vries
authors.forename: H J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Haarman
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001175:Arthrography; D001182:Arthroscopy; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003287:Contrast Media; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010808:Physical Examination; D012189:Retrospective Studies
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media