Arthroscopy provides more information about intra-articular pathology than any other diagnostic technique. The most important advantages of arthroscopy are visual access to more joint area, magnification produced by the telescopes and video systems, excellent illumination, and a clear visual field when continuous irrigation is employed. Arthroscopy is also minimally invasive; reduces trauma, shortens operative times, and decreases recovery times. The small sizes of telescopes available today allows placement into the deepest parts of joints and combined with angulation of the field of view, 30 degrees for most arthroscopes, provides visual access to more area of joints than can be achieved with open surgery. Arthroscopes magnify intra-articular structures allowing visualization of anatomical details and pathologic changes that are beyond the resolution of radiographs, CT, MRI or what can be seen with open surgery"-- |