During the past five decades, arthroscopy has dramatically changed the orthopaedic surgeon’s approach to the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of joint ailments. A high degree of clinical accuracy, combined with low morbidity, has encouraged the use of arthroscopy to assist in diagnosis, to determine prognosis, and often to provide treatment. Arthroscopic procedures should serve as adjuncts to and not as replacements for thorough clinical evaluation; arthroscopy is not a substitute for clinical skills.
