LAUSR

The editors of KSSTA recently highlighted the increase in demand for ankle arthroscopy that is expected for the near future [5]. Arthroscopic techniques are increasingly sophisticated and the range of indications for arthroscopy is broadening accordingly. In contrast with these developments, arthroscopic cameras have hardly changed since their first introduction. We still use rod-lens scopes of substantial diameters, making arthroscopy as invasive as it was decades ago: posing risk to neurovascular tissue [3] and cartilage [4] and causing unnecessarily long recovery times. Current innovation in the field of needle arthroscopy might help to better facilitate the pending increase in ankle arthroscopic procedures. In several lab and patient settings, our international collaborative group has been working with a novel needle arthroscopic system (NanoScopeTM, Arthrex, Naples, FL). With an optic chip at the camera tip and no inner rod-lenses, this semi-rigid scope remains durable at a total diameter of just 1.9-mm, and 2.26 mm including the cannula. Image quality is higher than that of traditional needle arthroscopes, offering a 400 × 400 pixel number with a 120° field of view. In contrast with previous needle arthroscopes, this new system comes with tailored surgical instruments, which introduces the possibility of operative needle arthroscopy. The safety and efficacy of this technology was systematically tested in a cadaveric setting, and this fundamental research was translated into a broad clinical portfolio. The results of first studies are promising [1, 2]. Cadaveric experience in the ankle is presented in this issue of KSSTA [1]. In general, operative needle arthroscopy offers a minimally invasive technique, with a less than 3-mm skin incision that requires only paper suture closure. This minimal portal footprint reduces local soft-tissue trauma and often obviates the need for any more than a local anaesthetic, both factors expediting patient recovery. Under these circumstances, smaller arthroscopic interventions can become bedside procedures performed in an office setting. Anterior and posterior ankle arthroscopy with debridement of osteophytes and cicatrized tissue is a reproducible technique that lends itself particularly well for operative needle arthroscopy. First metatarsal phalangeal joint limited cheilectomy and evaluation of chondral wear is another facile use. Tendoscopy of the Achilles, peroneal and tibialis posterior tendons is an attractive and simple procedure that can be both diagnostic and therapeutic in nature, allowing easy debridement using 2 and 3-mm shavers and augmenting repairs with biologic delivery systems. Similar ease of access can also be achieved in the knee, shoulder and other joints, where bony and soft-tissue impingement can be identified with clarity and addressed appropriately. Furthermore, clinical experience has confirmed the versatility of this technique as both a bona fide method of performing many therapeutic procedures as well as an augment to diagnostics. The use of operative needle arthroscopy should not only be considered as an alternative to traditional arthroscopy alone, as it can often take a mere supportive role as well. Post-reduction visualization of intra-articular fractures is an obvious application in a trauma setting. Whilst obviating the need for high pressure fluid inflow systems it provides excellent visualization of intra-articular pathology, offering * Gino M. M. J. Kerkhoffs [email protected]