Complications of office based arthroscopy of the knee.
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the complication rates associated with office based 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 criteria to qualify for office based arthroscopy. Patients were followed postarthroscopy for a minimum of 12 weeks to assess the rates and types of complications.


RESULTS
Of the 335 office based arthroscopies, 131 were diagnostic only, while 204 procedures were diagnostic and therapeutic. A total of 280 interventions were performed. Both major and minor complications were seen. The complication rates for major and minor events were 1.2 and 12.8%, respectively. There was no mortality or longterm morbidity.


CONCLUSIONS
Office based arthroscopy in patients with rheumatic diseases has a safety profile that compares favorably with arthroscopy performed in an ambulatory surgical center or operating room setting.
Szachnowski
P
P
Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine, Madison, USA.
Wei
N
N
Arnold
W J
WJ
Cohen
L M
LM
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures; D001168:Arthritis / Q000601:surgery*; D001182:Arthroscopy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000601:surgery; D010349:Patient Compliance; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012449:Safety; D013585:Synovitis / Q000601:surgery*