Arthroscopic Visualization of Lateral Compartment

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- Lateral Compartment:
    - lateral compartmet may be visualized with the arthroscope thru either
          anterolateral or anteromedial compartment;
    - initially knee should be placed in flexion and internal rotation, and while
          holding internal rotaiton, apply a varus stress, and bring the leg to
          between 20-40 deg of extension;
          - gentle titrate flexion to maximize visualization;
          - note that the application of varus stress tends to externally rotate
                  the knee which closes down the lateral compartment;
                  - hence, internal rotation is essential to optimize visualization;
    - when the anterolateral portal is used, the arthroscope's entrance is
          immediately over the anterior horn of the lateral meniscus adjacent
          to intercondylar notch;
    - anterior and middle thirds of lateral meniscus usually are not problem;
    - if this is a problem, then switch portals;
    - in difficult cases, an assitant can ballott both the medial and lateral
          menisci which can facilitate visualization and menisectomy;
          - if an assistant is not available a spinal needle can be inserted
                into the posteror medial aspect of the joint to hold the
                meniscus in a anterior position;

- Posterolateral Compartment:
    - structures viewed in the posterolateral compartment are the posterior
          horn of the lateral meniscus, the meniscosynovial capsular
          reflection, the popliteus tendon, the posterior limits of the
          popliteus hiatus, the confines of the posterolateral synovial
          and capsular compartments, and the posterior articular surface of
          the lateral femoral condyle;
    - occassionally the arthroscope can be passed from the anterolateral
          portal, but usually passage must come from the anteromedial portal;