Placement of anterolateral portal. Arthroscope introduced through portal placed high above joint line (A) has advantages of avoiding fat pad and being easy to manipulate. It is difficult to reach posterior aspect of joint, however, where most meniscal pathology is located. With low portal placement (B), posterior access is easier because femoral condyle does not get in the way, but instrumentation through fat pad is more difficult. Compromise should be made depending on location of intraarticular pathology and tightness of joint.