Percutaneous perforation of the posteromedial capsuloligamentous structures to avoid cartilaginous damage due to arthroscopic intervention at the medial meniscal posterior horn in narrow joints

THE PROBLEM: Irreversible cartilaginous damage to the femur and tibia due to resection and suture instruments in arthroscopic surgery at the posterior horn of the medial meniscus in narrow knee joints or in the presence of contracted medial capsuloligamentous structures. THE SOLUTION: Enlargement of the medial joint space by repeated percutaneous perforation of the posteromedial capsuloligamentous structures under consistently applied valgus stress. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: With the knee joint almost in full extension and with simultaneous, uniformly applied valgus stress, repeated percutaneous perforation of the posteromedial capsuloligamentous structures with a sharp-tipped cannula until perceptible enlargement of the medial joint compartment is achieved. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT AND RESULT: Uneventful healing of the posteromedial capsuloligamentous structures without the need for any special postoperative treatments.